hypnotize
UK: ˈhɪpnətaɪz | US: ˈhɪpnətaɪz
vt. to induce a trance-like state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility
vt. to captivate or mesmerize someone as if under a spell
The word hypnotize traces back to the Greek hypnos (sleep), reflecting the sleep-like trance induced during hypnosis. The suffix -ize (from Greek -izein) transforms it into a verb, meaning "to cause sleep" or "to put into a trance." The term was coined in the early 19th century by Scottish surgeon James Braid, who linked hypnosis to neurological processes rather than supernatural forces. Over time, hypnotize expanded metaphorically to describe captivating someone’s attention completely.
The therapist used a pendulum to hypnotize the patient.
The singer’s performance seemed to hypnotize the entire audience.
He tried to hypnotize his friend with a swinging pocket watch.
The documentary’s visuals were so striking, they almost hypnotized viewers.
She felt hypnotized by the rhythmic sound of the ocean waves.