WordGarden.iomesmerize
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɛsmərˌaɪz/
US
- /ˈmɛzmərˌaɪz/
Meanings
Verb
to hold someone's attention so completely that they are fascinated
to put someone into a hypnotic or trance-like state
Beyond the definition
To mesmerize someone is to completely capture their attention, as if putting them under a spell. Think of a magician on stage: the audience watches every move and can hardly look away. It's more than just liking something; it's being fully drawn in by it.
The word comes from Franz Mesmer, an 18th-century doctor linked with early ideas about hypnotism. His ideas did not hold up, but the word stayed in the language. A beautiful sunset, a skilled storyteller, or even a very engaging video game can all mesmerize you. You might say a magician mesmerized the audience with clever illusions.
To mesmerize means to capture someone's complete attention and hold it as though by magic. It implies a captivating quality that draws a person in, leaving them spellbound or entranced. For example: "The intricate details of the painting mesmerized her," or "His powerful voice mesmerized the audience."
While originally linked to hypnotism (derived from the name of Franz Mesmer), mesmerize doesn't necessarily imply actual hypnosis. It simply describes a state of intense fascination and absorption. A skilled performer might mesmerize an audience with their talent, or a breathtaking landscape could mesmerize a traveler.
It's stronger than just "attract" or "interest." Something that mesmerizes doesn't just get your attention; it holds it captive. You can be mesmerized by visual beauty – the swirling colors of an aurora borealis, for instance – but also by compelling narratives, captivating music, or even a charismatic personality.
Think about those moments when you lose track of time because you're so engrossed in something. That's often what it means to be mesmerized. So whether it's art, nature, performance, or personality—if something has the power to completely absorb your attention and hold it fast, it can mesmerize you.
Examples
- 1
Magic trick
The children were mesmerized by the magician's final trick.
- 2
Snowfall
I sat by the window, mesmerized by the way the snow was falling.
- 3
Performance
Her performance was so powerful that it seemed to mesmerize the whole audience.
- 4
Storytelling
He has a way of telling stories that can mesmerize a room.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Investment hype
Investors were mesmerized by the promise of quick profits and ignored the risks.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- mesmerize an audience
- mesmerized by
- utterly mesmerized
Word family
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Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- mesmerizeverb
Forms
- mesmerizing-ing formverb
- mesmerizedpast tenseverb
- mesmerizesverb