What does hypnotizable mean?
Hypnotizable is an adjective describing a person who can be placed into a state of hypnosis, especially someone who is readily or unusually susceptible to hypnotic suggestion. The term occurs in psychology, entertainment, and discussions of experimental procedures. It does not mean that someone lacks awareness, willpower, or intelligence, nor does it imply that the person obeys every instruction received while hypnotized. Hypnotizability varies among individuals, and conditions such as attention, trust, expectation, and comfort may influence how easily someone responds. In controlled research, hypnotizability is often treated as a measurable trait and is assessed with standardized procedures. The adjective is also used informally to describe people who seem unusually attentive to a performer or presenter, although this playful usage should be distinguished from the clinical and experimental senses. The word ultimately derives from the Greek hypnos, meaning “sleep,” through the later development of “hypnotism” and “hypnotic.”
adjectiveAble or particularly susceptible to being placed in a state of hypnosis.
- Able or particularly susceptible to being hypnotized.
"Some participants proved unusually hypnotizable during the demonstration."
"The performer selected volunteers who appeared highly hypnotizable."
"Researchers excluded hypnotizable subjects who had not given informed consent."
"Not everyone is equally hypnotizable, and the presence of an audience can inhibit some people."
Its Greek ancestor means “sleep,” but the modern word describes a waking state in which attention and suggestion can exert unusual influence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hypnotizable come from?
Hypnotizable was formed in English from the related stem in “hypnotic” plus the suffix “-able,” meaning “able or liable to be.” Its deeper root is the Greek hypnos, “sleep,” which also underlies “hypnotism,” “hypnotize,” and “hypnosis.” These words emerged as scientific and medical vocabulary during the nineteenth century, when claims about animal magnetism and altered states of consciousness were investigated experimentally.
How hypnotizable is actually used
This term is most often used in discussions of hypnosis, demonstrations, and psychological research. It should not be treated as a synonym for being generally suggestible: susceptibility to hypnosis is a narrower and distinct phenomenon.
Easily confused with hypnotizable
Hypnotic describes something that induces or relates to hypnosis, whereas hypnotizable describes someone who is susceptible to being hypnotized.