hypnotize

verb

hyp·​no·​tize ˈhip-nə-ˌtīz How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)
hypnotized; hypnotizing
Synonyms of hypnotizenext

transitive verb

1
: to induce hypnosis in
2
: to dazzle or overcome by or as if by suggestion
a voice that hypnotizes its hearers
drivers hypnotized by speed
hypnotizability
ˌhip-nə-ˌtī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)
noun
hypnotizable
ˈhip-nə-ˌtī-zə-bəl How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of hypnotize in a Sentence

The therapist hypnotized him and asked him questions about his traumatic experiences in the war. He can hypnotize people with his stare.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ruby is hypnotized by the doll while Carter is also under its sway. — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 Feb. 2025 But those imperfections are the flaws that mark The Brutalist as a work of human hands — an original screenplay, told in novelistic scope with bold visuals, a hypnotizing score, and the ambition to make an American movie of the kind that stopped existing decades ago. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025 The funky, vibrant record is utterly hypnotizing as Leven vies for the attention of the one who has his heart. — Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 21 Feb. 2025 The animation, full of exaggerated appendages and character design that border on the grotesque, is hypnotizing, and the story propels forward with the furious pace of a mighty cyclist. — Barry Levitt, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hypnotize

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypnotize was in 1843

Rhymes for hypnotize

See All Rhymes for hypnotize

Browse Nearby Words

hypnotism
hypnotize
hypnum
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypnotize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypnotize. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

hypnotize

verb
hyp·​no·​tize ˈhip-nə-ˌtīz How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)
hypnotized; hypnotizing
1
: to cause hypnosis in
2
: to deaden judgment or resistance by or as if by hypnotic suggestion
hypnotizable
-ˌtī-zə-bəl How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

hypnotize

transitive verb
hyp·​no·​tize
variants also British hypnotise
-ˌtīz How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)
hypnotized also British hypnotised; hypnotizing also British hypnotising
1
: to induce hypnosis in
2
: to influence by or as if by suggestion
a voice that hypnotizes its hearers
hypnotizability noun
also British hypnotisability
ˌhip-nə-ˌtī-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)
plural hypnotizabilities
hypnotizable adjective
also British hypnotisable
ˈhip-nə-ˌtī-zə-bəl How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)

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