hypnotize

especially British, hyp·no·tise

[hip-nuh-tahyz]

verb (used with object)

hypnotized, hypnotizing 

1. to put in the hypnotic state.

2. to influence, control, or direct completely, as by personal charm, words, or domination.

   The speaker hypnotized the audience with his powerful personality.

3. to frighten or startle so that movement is impossible.

   The headlights hypnotized the deer and it just stood staring at the oncoming car.

verb (used without object)

hypnotized, hypnotizing 

1. to practice hypnosis; put or be able to put others into a hypnotic state.

hypnotize

/ ˈhɪpnəˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to induce hypnosis in (a person)

2. to charm or beguile; fascinate

Other Word Forms

• hypnotizability noun
• hypnotizer noun
• hypnotizable adjective
• hypnotization noun
• half-hypnotized adjective
• rehypnotize verb (used with object)
• unhypnotizable adjective
• unhypnotize verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypnotize¹

First recorded in 1843; hypnotism, -ize

Example Sentences

It’s impossible to watch “Die My Love” and not be hypnotized by its swampy psychodrama: the violent postpartum death throes of a marriage that has little reason to continue.

From Los Angeles Times

Stewart slowly waved his finger across his face, as if hypnotizing viewers.

From Salon

In the segment, Stewart mimicked hypnotizing viewers while repeating the admin’s mantra.

From Salon

Carpenter shed her child star skin and gave audiences one of the most hypnotizing pop songs of the year in "Espresso."

From Salon

Since Nadja enjoys pretending to care, she “hypnotizes” the audience into thinking they’ve achieved the perfect finale by recreating what most people agree to be the perfect movie ending, albeit a version starring our vamps.

From Salon

Related Words

• anesthetize 
• captivate 
• fascinate 
• mesmerize 
• stupefy