mesmerizing
Americanadjective
-
completely engrossing; captivating or fascinating.
He spoke to us extemporaneously for at least two hours, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of wisdom.
-
hypnotic or hypnotizing; having a trancelike effect similar to hypnosis.
The song’s simple repetition of the word “Hallelujah” is comforting, mesmerizing, and uplifting.
Etymology
Origin of mesmerizing
Explanation
If something catches and holds your attention, as if by magic, it's mesmerizing. You might find yourself unable to look away from the mesmerizing display of fireworks overhead. In the 1780s, an Austrian doctor named Franz Mesmer developed a popular medical treatment based on hypnosis. The word mesmerizing comes from his last name, and it originally described actions that induced a hypnotic state. Today it's used for enthralling or fascinating things, like falling snow, your cat's eyes, a sonorous voice reading you a story, or someone who's so wonderful you can't stop thinking about them.
Vocabulary lists containing mesmerizing
The Best at It
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Pelé (1940–2022) Tribute List
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Infinite Questions of Dottie Bing
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Ms. Wilson and Ms. Saban are both mesmerizing as these pathetically funny figures.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
Bardem already proved with his Oscar-winning portrayal of the stun-gun-toting maniac in “No Country for Old Men” that he has a mesmerizing power in playing sinister characters.
From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026
The production, full of sensational aerial maneuvers and fog-strewn scenic thrills, is mesmerizing.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
Three original songs and a mesmerizing live performance from Lady Gaga!
From Salon • May 1, 2026
The colors and shapes and words and pictures are so garish, so abundant, that they are mesmerizing.
From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
