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Definition of mesmerize

mesmerize

/ˈmɛz.mə.ɹaɪz/
(UK: mesmerise)
mes · mer · ize
Adverb:mesmerizingly
•
Adjective:mesmerizing
•
Past Simple:mesmerized
•
Past Participle:mesmerized
•
Present Participle:mesmerizing
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mesmerize Lexical Profile

mesmerize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To capture the complete attention of someone; to transfix or entrance as if by a spell.

Example

"The flickering flames of the campfire seemed to mesmerize the tired hikers."

2

To subject someone to hypnotism or animal magnetism (historical or dated).

Example

"The 19th-century stage performer claimed he could mesmerize any volunteer in the audience with a wave of his hand."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

mesite
mesmeric
mesmerism
mesmerize
mesmerizer
mesmerizing
mesmerizingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century via French 'mesmériser', named after the Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer (1734–1815), who popularized the theory of 'animal magnetism', an early precursor to modern hypnosis.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mesmerize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mesmerize
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