Definition of hypnotismnext
as in hypnosis
the art or act of inducing in a person a sleeplike state during which he or she readily follows suggestions some people have undergone hypnotism in order to induce them to give up their smoking habit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of hypnotism 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 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 Perhaps the most iconic hypnotism scene in movie history involves a teacup and a spoon in Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning 2017 film Get Out. — Adario Strange, Quartz, 16 Aug. 2022 In the popular consciousness, hypnotism is the stuff of vampires, side shows and watch-waving therapists. — Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2022 See All Example Sentences for hypnotism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hypnotism
Noun
  • Highway hypnosis is a real thing, and drowsy driving is a danger not unlike drunk driving.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Emmy Brunner’s residential retreats combine hypnosis and somatic practice.
    — Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Oracular methods such as automatism and tarot cards would lead Colquhoun down many paths in her search for knowledge, while the duality of the androgyne fascinated her in her art and writing.
    — Marina Warner, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Amid the incredible automatism of the stage production (and life in general), Left Shark’s choreography mistakes spawned a wave of internet memes that made Katy Perry unhappy — until her lawyers saw the value and attempted to trademark Left Shark’s design.
    — Andrey Mir, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Richter then turned to the master of musical mesmerism for the movie’s soundtrack, to be performed live by a 14-player chamber ensemble of strings, winds and pairs of vibraphones and pianos.
    — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2023

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypnotism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hypnotism. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on hypnotism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!