What does hypnotize mean?
Hypnotize is a transitive verb meaning to induce a state of hypnosis, a condition of heightened suggestibility in which a person’s voluntary control and ordinary awareness may be reduced. In professional settings, the word refers specifically to the deliberate use of verbal or visual techniques to bring someone into a trance-like state. It also has a figurative meaning: to fascinate or influence someone so completely that their attention is captured. In this use, "hypnotize" is often interchangeable with "mesmerize," though it can carry a stronger suggestion of concentrated influence. The literal process should not be confused with the state called hypnosis. Although hypnosis is often represented as mysterious or theatrical, the word can appear in clinical, educational, legal, and entertainment contexts, as well as in ordinary descriptions of a compelling performance or striking visual display.
verbTo induce a state of hypnosis in someone, characterized by heightened suggestibility and a reduced awareness of voluntary control. It can also mean to fascinate or influence someone so completely that attention is captured.
- To induce a state of hypnosis in someone.
- To fascinate or influence someone so completely that their attention is captured.
"The performer hypnotized the audience with a series of unexpected requests."
"The therapist asked whether she had agreed to be hypnotized before the session began."
"The impossible staircase hypnotized the children, who gathered around the screen in silence."
From the Greek word for sleep, "hypnotize" still carries the idea of holding someone in a trance, even when used figuratively.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hypnotize come from?
The word derives from the Greek hypnos, meaning "sleep," a root also underlying hypnosis, hypnotic, and hypnotism. The English verb combines this element with the productive suffix -ize, which forms verbs denoting the application of an action or quality. Over time, its meaning broadened from inducing a sleep-like or trance-like condition to expressing an intense hold over another person’s attention.
Related word forms
How hypnotize is actually used
The literal sense belongs chiefly to psychology, hypnosis, and performance. The figurative sense is common in general writing and is often close to "mesmerize," but it does not necessarily imply the use of hypnosis.
Easily confused with hypnotize
Hypnotize is the verb describing the act of inducing a hypnotic state, whereas hypnosis is the state or process itself.
Mesmerize generally means to fascinate or enchant someone, while hypnotize more specifically refers to inducing a state of hypnosis.