hypnotize

verb hyp·no·tize \ ˈhip-nə-ˌtīz \

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

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

—

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

Watchers of the series have been hypnotized by the cult’s consistent, infrared outfits.

— jacob gallagher, WSJ, "The Latest Fashion Trend? Dressing Like You’re in a Cult," 2 Apr. 2018
There’s a meditative quality to watching the painstaking attention to detail, and super slowed down close-ups of broth may hypnotize you.

— alyse whitney, Bon Appetit, "Watch a Clip from ‘Ramen Heads,’ a New Documentary for Food Obsessives," 12 Mar. 2018
Having the actors give their lines as if hypnotized or dazed is clearly a directorial choice by Jalali, who is perhaps aiming for some kind of Brechtian distancing by way of Robert Bresson.

— neil young, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Land': Film Review | Berlin 2018," 2 Mar. 2018
The food is incredible, the water is hypnotizing, and the people are so sweet!

— alison loehnis, Harper's BAZAAR, "Grace Elizabeth Opens Up About Her Ageless Style," 27 Feb. 2018
The border between the zone and the outside world is also invisible in the book, and anyone attempting to cross it must be hypnotized first.

— eliza thompson, Cosmopolitan, "12 Differences Between Annihilation the Movie and Annihilation the Book," 26 Feb. 2018
Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott's rap collaborations have resulted in some beloved tongue-twisting, hypnotizing grooves.

— wandera hussein, Billboard, "Busta Rhymes Taps Missy Elliott & Kelly Rowland for Relentlessly Groovy 'Get It'," 2 Feb. 2018
The single was accompanied by not one but two music videos on YouTube, each showing off the song’s hypnotizing choreography.

— tamar herman, Billboard, "SHINee's Taemin Drops Sultry 'MOVE' Album & Single," 16 Oct. 2017
His rich, ethereal sound will hypnotize as the sun slowly casts shadows, settling into the final night.

— kat bein, Billboard, "10 Acts to See at Electric Zoo 2017," 30 Aug. 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, enthrall (or enthral), fascinate, grip, 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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hypnotize

Definition of hypnotize

hypnotizability

hypnotizable

Examples of hypnotize in a Sentence

Recent Examples of hypnotize from the Web

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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