What does magnetise mean?
Magnetise means to give magnetic properties to an object or material, as when a current is passed through a piece of iron and the iron becomes able to attract a compass needle. The verb can also be used figuratively for people, performances, or ideas that command attention with unusual force: a performer may magnetise a crowd simply by entering the stage. The word is especially associated with British spelling, while American English generally uses magnetize, but both forms are understood across the English-speaking world. The technical meaning is precise and common in science and manufacturing, whereas the figurative meaning conveys a strong, compelling attraction. Its usefulness lies in this combination: it can describe both a physical process and the powerful pull of something captivating.
verbTo make a substance magnetic, or to cause it to become magnetized. In figurative use, it means to attract or hold someone’s attention with great force.
- To make a substance magnetic or cause it to become magnetized.
- To attract or hold someone’s attention with unusual strength.
"The iron filings magnetised the needle as it was brought close to the surface."
"The workshop used a strong current to magnetise the metal components."
"Her unusual talent for storytelling magnetised the entire audience."
In everyday speech, something can be magnetised without touching it: a compelling story can magnetise an audience with attention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of magnetise
The verb was formed in English from the noun magnet and the suffix -ise, meaning to make or cause to become. The word magnet comes through Latin from the Greek magnētis, which referred to a naturally magnetic stone and ultimately to Magnesia, a place in ancient Greece associated with such stones. The related forms magnetic, magnesia, and magnesium share this Greek and Latin root.
Related word forms
How magnetise is actually used
The technical sense is standard in British and American English, although the spelling magnetize is more common in American English. The figurative sense is somewhat literary and often suggests an intense or almost irresistible attraction.
Easily confused with magnetise
Magnetise and magnetize are spelling variants of the same verb, with magnetise used chiefly in British English and magnetize in American English.
Magnetise means to give magnetic properties to an object, whereas demagnetise means to remove or reduce those properties.