hypnotize

verb hyp·no·tize \ ˈhip-nə-ˌtīz \

Definition of hypnotize

hypnotized; hypnotizing

transitive verb

1 :to induce hypnosis in

2 :to dazzle or overcome by or as if by suggestion

a voice that hypnotizes its hearers

drivers hypnotized by speed

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hypnotizability

play \ˌhip-nə-ˌtī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

—

hypnotizable

play \ˈhip-nə-ˌtī-zə-bəl\ adjective

See hypnotize defined for English-language learners

See hypnotize defined for kids

Examples of hypnotize in a Sentence

The therapist hypnotized him and asked him questions about his traumatic experiences in the war.
He can hypnotize people with his stare.

Recent Examples of hypnotize from the Web

The judge has requested that witnesses be hypnotized to try to recover memories.

— carl prine, sandiegouniontribune.com, "War hero claims Navy abandoned him, others cry murder," 14 Aug. 2017
In the zoo’s videos, Fiona hypnotizes me with blobby, wobbly cuteness.

— anne saker, Cincinnati.com, "Fiona and me: Love for a baby hippo, and for people, too.," 8 Aug. 2017
For subjects that were hypnotized, the story is much the same.

— chris lee, Ars Technica, "Hypnotic suggestion prevents action, not recognition," 29 July 2017
As the sun starts to set, fire dancers surround the pool, moving in hypnotizing synchrony.

— AL.com, "How to plan a perfect tiki-themed party," 18 July 2017
Captain Underpants PG George and Harold play the ultimate prank at their school by hypnotizing the principal into believing he’s Capt.

— guy hanford, Ramona Sentinel, "Flickers: 'Spider-Man Homecoming' opens Friday," 5 July 2017
Both tracks are released with hypnotizing visualizers to emphasize each unique sonic atmosphere.

— kat bein, Billboard, "Bassnectar Talks Crafting Positivity & Committing to Authenticity, Shares 2 New Tracks From 'Reflective' EP: Exclusive," 9 June 2017
His most visceral reaction came during the scene where Catherine Keener’s character hypnotizes poor Chris and sends him deep into the Sunken Place.

— glenn whipp, star-telegram.com, "When moviegoers treat theaters like living rooms, bad things happen," 6 June 2017
But then, a kind of magic intervenes, when George manages to hypnotize Krupp with a plastic ring.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "'Captain Underpants' movie review: An animated dose of good-natured goofiness," 2 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hypnotize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of hypnotize

1843

hypnotize Synonyms

Synonyms

arrest, bedazzle, catch up, enchant, fascinate, grip, enthrall, mesmerize, spellbind

Related Words

enrapture, entrance, thrill; beguile, bewitch, charm; absorb, engage, engross, involve

HYPNOTIZE Defined for English Language Learners

hypnotize

verb

Definition of hypnotize for English Language Learners

: to put (a person) into a state of hypnosis
: to hold the attention of (someone) : to attract (someone) in a powerful or mysterious way

HYPNOTIZE Defined for Kids

hypnotize

verb hyp·no·tize \ ˈhip-nə-ˌtīz \

Definition of hypnotize for Students

hypnotized; hypnotizing

:to affect by or as if by hypnotism

Her beautiful voice hypnotized the audience.

Medical Dictionary

hypnotize

transitive verb hyp·no·tize

variants: also British hypnotise play \-ˌtīz\

medical Definition of hypnotize

hypnotized also British hypnotised; hypnotizing also British hypnotising

1 :to induce hypnosis in

2 :to influence by or as if by suggestion

a voice that hypnotizes its hearers

—

hypnotizability

also British hypnotisability play \ˌhip-nə-ˌtī-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ noun plural hypnotizabilities

—

hypnotizable

also British hypnotisable play \ˈhip-nə-ˌtī-zə-bəl\ adjective

Learn More about hypnotize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hypnotize Spanish Central: Translation of hypnotize Nglish: Translation of hypnotize for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of hypnotize for Arabic speakers

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Examples of hypnotize in a Sentence

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First Known Use of hypnotize

hypnotize Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

HYPNOTIZE Defined for English Language Learners

hypnotize

Definition of hypnotize for English Language Learners

HYPNOTIZE Defined for Kids

hypnotize

Definition of hypnotize for Students

Medical Dictionary

hypnotize

medical Definition of hypnotize

hypnotizability

hypnotizable

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