mesmerism

noun

mes·​mer·​ism ˈmez-mə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce mesmerism (audio)
also ˈmes-
Synonyms of mesmerismnext
1
: hypnotic induction held to involve animal magnetism
broadly : hypnotism
2
: hypnotic appeal
mesmerist
ˈmez-mə-rist How to pronounce mesmerism (audio)
also ˈmes-
noun

Synonyms of mesmerism

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Examples of mesmerism in a Sentence

made a living at mesmerism and the selling of medical remedies of dubious value
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.
Barrymore’s turn in the lead role is itself a feat of silver-screen mesmerism, portraying Svengali as a cruel yet magnetic figure who wields his own charisma as an instrument of terrible power. — Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2025 The combination of cultural individualism, industrialization, and technological advance created a cultural moment in which audiences were open to and actively explored the idea of unseen forces (hey, if telegraph and photography worked, why not mesmerism, spiritualism, or palm-reading?). — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2024 Learn about spiritualism, mesmerism and phrenology. — Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 29 Sep. 2024 The Society for Psychical Research was founded in the U.K. in 1882 to investigate possible paranormal activity, including mesmerism, thought transference, apparitions and even haunted houses. — Naomi Oreskes, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for mesmerism

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French mesmérisme, from Franz mesmer + -isme -ism

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mesmerism was in 1784

Rhymes for mesmerism

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Browse Nearby Words

mesmerise
mesmerism
mesmerization
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

mesmerism

noun
mes·​mer·​ism ˈmez-mə-ˌriz-əm How to pronounce mesmerism (audio)
also ˈmes-
: hypnotism

Medical Definition

mesmerism

noun
mes·​mer·​ism
ˈmez-mə-ˌriz-əm also ˈmes-
: hypnotic induction by the practices of F. A. Mesmer that was believed to involve animal magnetism
broadly : hypnotism

More from Merriam-Webster on mesmerism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mesmerism

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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