Meaning & Definition
verb
to induce a state of hypnosis in someone; to put someone into a trance-like state.
The therapist used relaxation techniques to hypnotize her patient.
to fascinate or as if by hypnosis; to hold someone's attention completely.
The magician was able to hypnotize the audience with his mesmerizing performance.
to compel someone to do something by using hypnotic suggestions.
He felt as if he could hypnotize his friends into believing his wild stories.
Etymology
Derived from 'hypnosis', from Greek 'hypnos' meaning 'sleep'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
hypnotized by:
Completely absorbed or fascinated by someone or something.
to be under hypnosis:
To be in a state where one is easily influenced or controlled by a hypnotist.
hypnotic suggestion:
A proposition presented to a subject under hypnosis that influences behavior.
Slang Meanings
To really grab someone's attention.
That movie was so good it totally hypnotized me!
To make someone act in a certain way through charm.
He knows how to hypnotize everyone with his sweet talk.