mesmerize

[ mez-muh-rahyz, mes- ]
/ ˈmɛz məˌraɪz, ˈmɛs- /

verb (used with object), mes·mer·ized, mes·mer·iz·ing.

to hypnotize.
to spellbind; fascinate.
to compel by fascination.
Also especially British, mes·mer·ise.

Origin of mesmerize

First recorded in 1820–30; mesmer(ism) + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM mesmerize

mes·mer·i·za·tion, noun mes·mer·iz·er, noun un·mes·mer·ized, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for mesmerizing

British Dictionary definitions for mesmerizing

mesmerize

mesmerise

/ (ˈmɛzməˌraɪz) /

verb (tr)

a former word for hypnotize
to hold (someone) as if spellbound

Derived forms of mesmerize

mesmerization or mesmerisation, noun mesmerizer or mesmeriser, noun