hypnotize

verb

hyp·​no·​tize ˈhip-nə-ˌtīz How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)
hypnotized; hypnotizing
Synonyms of hypnotizenext

transitive verb

1
: to induce hypnosis in
2
: to dazzle or overcome by or as if by suggestion
a voice that hypnotizes its hearers
drivers hypnotized by speed
hypnotizability
ˌhip-nə-ˌtī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)
noun
hypnotizable
ˈhip-nə-ˌtī-zə-bəl How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of hypnotize

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Examples of hypnotize in a Sentence

The therapist hypnotized him and asked him questions about his traumatic experiences in the war. He can hypnotize people with his stare.
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.
Look for shells and sea snails, get hypnotized by the powerful Atlantic waves, or pitch a tent right on the sand. — Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2026 But the key to success is not being hypnotized by South Florida. — Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026 That idea of true freedom that comes with financial stability hypnotized young men like Fergie. — Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 Spirits would become hypnotized by the bottles' bright colors and reflections, trapping them until the morning sunlight killed them. — Abby Fribush, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypnotize

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypnotize was in 1842

Rhymes for hypnotize

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Browse Nearby Words

hypnotizable
hypnotize
hypnum
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

hypnotize

verb
hyp·​no·​tize ˈhip-nə-ˌtīz How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)
hypnotized; hypnotizing
1
: to cause hypnosis in
2
: to deaden judgment or resistance by or as if by hypnotic suggestion
hypnotizable
-ˌtī-zə-bəl How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

hypnotize

transitive verb
hyp·​no·​tize
variants also British hypnotise
-ˌtīz How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)
hypnotized also British hypnotised; hypnotizing also British hypnotising
1
: to induce hypnosis in
2
: to influence by or as if by suggestion
a voice that hypnotizes its hearers
hypnotizability noun
also British hypnotisability
ˌhip-nə-ˌtī-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)
plural hypnotizabilities
hypnotizable adjective
also British hypnotisable
ˈhip-nə-ˌtī-zə-bəl How to pronounce hypnotize (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on hypnotize

Nglish: Translation of hypnotize for Spanish Speakers

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