Definition of hypnotic
1
: tending to produce sleep : soporific
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Examples of hypnotic in a Sentence
The psychologist put her into a hypnotic state.
Riding in a car often has a hypnotic effect on babies.
the steady, hypnotic rhythm of the train
Recent Examples of hypnotic from the Web
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Gilpin, conveying Debbie’s commingled rage and guilt, is hypnotic in the scene, equally furious at Ruth and at herself.
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Diabate’s guitar playing is particularly liquid and hypnotic, with percussive taps and pulls off the strings giving every line an ornamental complexity.
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That 2015 thriller, written by Taylor Sheridan and directed with hypnotic verve by Denis Villeneuve, was a scary, serpentine plunge into the darkness and amorality of the Mexican drug trade.
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Both Baird and Peterson have moved beyond the rustic, ethereal folk weirdness of Spires' early days toward something more searching, hypnotic, and intense.
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Truffaut draws out the book’s most surreally boring moments, devoting an entire scene to a hypnotic faux-interactive soap opera about assigning guest bedrooms.
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Many adults and coaches have issues with its apparent hypnotic effect.
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Soon, the streets were awash with the motor-powered people movers, and the hypnotic electric hum of someone opting to ride instead of walk could be heard around every corner.
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Saturday Primus and Mastodon Mastodon's melodic, propulsive prog-metal and Primus' quirky, heavy grooves top a night that will start with the hypnotic psych-rock of L.A. outfit Jjuujjuu.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hypnotic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of hypnotic
French or Late Latin; French hypnotique, from Late Latin hypnoticus, from Greek hypnōtikos, from hypnoun to put to sleep, from hypnos
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: 1625
in the meaning defined at sense 1
See Words from the same yearhypnotic Synonyms
Antonyms
Near Antonyms
arousing, awakening, energizing, invigorating, rousing, stimulating, wakening, waking;
bracing, refreshing, restorative, reviving, stimulative, stimulatory;
Related Words
depressant, relaxant, sedative, tranquilizing (also tranquillizing);
calming, comforting, lulling, pacifying, quieting, relaxing, restful, settling, soothing;
analgesic, anesthetic, anesthetizing, benumbing, deadening, dulling, numbing;
Definition of hypnotic
1
: a sleep-inducing agent : soporific
2
: one that is or can be hypnotized
Recent Examples of hypnotic from the Web
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There was no consensus among professionals in Cleveland over whether the availability of methamphetamine or the drugs known as sedative-hypnotics, such as Xanax, Klonopin or Ativan, has increased.
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There are signs warning visitors not to use the spa while under the influence of hypnotics.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hypnotic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of hypnotic
1681
HYPNOTIC Defined for English Language Learners
hypnotic
Definition of hypnotic for English Language Learners
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medical : a drug that causes sleep
HYPNOTIC Defined for Kids
Definition of hypnotic for Students
1
: of or relating to hypnosis
- a hypnotic state
2
: having an effect like that of hypnosis
- a hypnotic rhythm
Medical Dictionary
medical Definition of hypnotic
1
: a sleep-inducing agent : soporific
2
: one that is or can be hypnotized
Learn More about hypnotic
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See words that rhyme with hypnotic Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hypnotic Spanish Central: Translation of hypnotic Nglish: Translation of hypnotic for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of hypnotic for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypnotic
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