hypnotism

noun

hyp·​no·​tism ˈhip-nə-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce hypnotism (audio)
Synonyms of hypnotismnext
1
: the study or act of inducing hypnosis compare mesmerism
2
: hypnosis sense 1
hypnotist
ˈhip-nə-(ˌ)tist How to pronounce hypnotism (audio)
noun

Synonyms of hypnotism

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Examples of hypnotism in a Sentence

a psychologist who employs hypnotism to treat his patients some people have undergone hypnotism in order to induce them to give up their smoking habit
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s taken 200 years for hypnotism to evolve from a medical treatment to stage gag. — Emily Latimer, Longreads, 25 Jan. 2024 Which is exactly what the 750iL does—in a fine, silent style made up of equal parts hypnotism and seduction. — Csaba Csere, Car and Driver, 8 Apr. 2023 The speed-freak who next year will stalk King to Memphis, here gets a nose job while trying to learn hypnotism and become a pornographer. — Matt Thompson, Spin, 10 Sep. 2023 This hypnotism is especially conveyed through the film’s costumes. — Eugenie Dalland, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hypnotism

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypnotism was in 1842

Rhymes for hypnotism

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Browse Nearby Words

hypnotically
hypnotism
hypnotizability
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Cite this Entry

“Hypnotism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypnotism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hypnotism

noun
hyp·​no·​tism ˈhip-nə-ˌtiz-əm How to pronounce hypnotism (audio)
1
: the study of or act of causing hypnosis
2
: hypnosis

Medical Definition

hypnotism

noun
hyp·​no·​tism ˈhip-nə-ˌtiz-əm How to pronounce hypnotism (audio)
1
: the study or act of inducing hypnosis compare mesmerism
2
: hypnosis sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on hypnotism

Nglish: Translation of hypnotism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypnotism

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