magnetism

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noun mag·ne·tism \ ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm \

Definition of magnetism

1 a :a class of physical phenomena that include the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, are inseparably associated with moving electricity, are exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and are characterized by fields of force

b :a science that deals with magnetic phenomena

2 :an ability to attract or charm

See magnetism defined for English-language learners

See magnetism defined for kids

Examples of magnetism in a Sentence

Much of his success as a politician can be attributed to his personal magnetism.
she managed to win the election by sheer magnetism

Recent Examples of magnetism from the Web

Sue, as a top carnivore, has always had a special magnetism.

— steve johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Move over, Sue. World's largest dinosaur taking center stage at Field Museum," 30 Aug. 2017
Everything from magnetism to the cellphone and everything in between is in the lab,’’ Dominic said.

— sue kiesewetter, Cincinnati.com, "Voice of America fundraiser celebrates radio pioneer," 30 Aug. 2017
There’s no crime in being popular; the world will always take a keen interest in beautiful and charismatic young women, and the power of female magnetism predates the internet.

— liesl schillinger, Town & Country, "We Are Living In The Age of Influence," 7 Aug. 2017
Unfortunately, critics so far don't agree with Gary's somewhat biased opinion about his son's magnetism.

— kate storey, Cosmopolitan, "This Guy’s Dad Thought He Should be on a Reality Show — So He Hired a Producer and Now the Show’s Airing on MTV," 31 July 2017
Fired from guns that used magnetism to accelerate objects to speeds of up to 5,600 miles per hour, the projectiles didn't even have explosive warheads.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Mach 3 Ammo Will Make Navy Guns Much More Lethal," 19 July 2017
The Magic of Science -- Studies in chemistry, light, magnetism, optical illusions, physics and mathematics were demonstrated.

— carol kovach, cleveland.com, "Westlake Porter Public Library's STEAM Week offers programs for all ages: West Shore Chatter," 18 July 2017
Neither has an ounce of the magnetism, emotional range, or physical charm that Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich held in their little fingers.

— josephine livingstone, New Republic, "The Gorgeous Stupidity of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets," 13 July 2017
The life of a cowboy is one of social magnetism and social restraint.

— maggie lange, Bon Appetit, "The Best Toothpicks Are Minty and Make You Feel Like a Cowboy," 28 June 2017

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

First Known Use of magnetism

1616

magnetism Synonyms

Synonyms

allure, animal magnetism, appeal, attractiveness, captivation, charisma, duende, enchantment, fascination, force field, glamour (also glamor), magic, charm, oomph, pizzazz (or pizazz), seductiveness, witchery

Antonyms

repulsion, repulsiveness

Related Words

allurement, attraction, call, lure, seduction; agreeableness, darlingness, delightfulness, desirability, desirableness, niceness, pleasantness, pleasingness, sweetness; sex appeal

Near Antonyms

disagreeableness, distastefulness, obnoxiousness, offensiveness, unpleasantness

MAGNETISM Defined for English Language Learners

magnetism

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noun

Definition of magnetism for English Language Learners

: the property of attracting certain metals : the attracting property of a magnet
: a quality that makes someone able to attract and hold the interest of other people

MAGNETISM Defined for Kids

magnetism

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noun mag·ne·tism \ ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm \

Definition of magnetism for Students

1 :a magnet's power to attract

2 :the power to attract others :personal charm

Medical Dictionary

magnetism

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noun mag·ne·tism \ ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm \

medical Definition of magnetism

:a class of physical phenomena that include the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, are inseparably associated with moving electricity, are exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and are characterized by fields of force