mesmerize

[mez-muh-rahyz, mes-] /ˈmɛz məˌraɪz, ˈmɛs-/
verb (used with object), mesmerized, mesmerizing.
1.
to hypnotize.
2.
to spellbind; fascinate.
3.
to compel by fascination.
Also, especially British, mesmerise.
Origin
1820-30; mesmer(ism) + -ize
Related forms
mesmerization, noun
mesmerizer, noun
unmesmerized, adjective
Examples from the web for mesmerize
  • Sure, a simple sandbox and climbing gym are enough to mesmerize toddlers.
  • Predator-based exhibits and petting pool mesmerize children.
  • The images are beautiful enough, to mesmerize any who view them.
  • Every now and then, some nonhuman freak comes along to mesmerize movie audiences.
  • Better as an intro to zesty color combos than to red, yellow and blue, but certain to mesmerize all ages.
  • Its haunting eye sockets and full set of milk teeth mesmerize with the same sense of symmetry found in a great work of art.
  • She has an ability to mesmerize audiences with her presence while also making frequent careless misstatements.
  • But if a play relies on a couple for about three-quarters of its dialogue, then they had best mesmerize.
  • Their bright colors never cease to mesmerize me, breaking apart the drab palette of grays and whites that surround us.
  • If that is not enough, the scenery will mesmerize you.
British Dictionary definitions for mesmerize

mesmerize

/ˈmɛzməˌraɪz/
verb (transitive)
1.
a former word for hypnotize
2.
to hold (someone) as if spellbound
Derived Forms
mesmerization, mesmerisation, noun
mesmerizer, mesmeriser, noun
Word Origin and History for mesmerize
v.

1829, back-formation from mesmerism. Transferred sense of "enthrall" is first attested 1862. Related: Mesmerized; mesmerizing.