mesmerism

noun

mes·​mer·​ism ˈmez-mə-ˌri-zəm 

also ˈmes-

1

: hypnotic induction held to involve animal magnetism

broadly : hypnotism

2

: hypnotic appeal

mesmerist

ˈmez-mə-rist 

also ˈmes-

noun

Synonyms of mesmerism

• hypnotism

Examples of mesmerism in a Sentence

made a living at mesmerism and the selling of medical remedies of dubious value

Recent Examples on the Web

Barrymore’s turn in the lead role is itself a feat of silver-screen mesmerism, portraying Svengali as a cruel yet magnetic figure who wields his own charisma as an instrument of terrible power. — Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2025

Richter then turned to the master of musical mesmerism for the movie’s soundtrack, to be performed live by a 14-player chamber ensemble of strings, winds and pairs of vibraphones and pianos. — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2023

In the eighteenth century, Franz Mesmer introduced his concept of mesmerism, or animal magnetism, involving a universal vital fluid that passes in and out through our pores. — Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2021

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French mesmérisme, from Franz mesmer + -isme -ism

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mesmerism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

Kids Definition

mesmerism

noun

mes·​mer·​ism ˈmez-mə-ˌriz-əm 

also ˈmes-

: hypnotism

Medical Definition

mesmerism

noun

mes·​mer·​ism

ˈmez-mə-ˌriz-əm also ˈmes-

: hypnotic induction by the practices of F. A. Mesmer that was believed to involve animal magnetism

broadly : hypnotism