Mesmerized Meaning and Definition
Mesmerized
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛzməraɪzd/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To be completely captivated or entranced, often with a strong feeling of fascination.
Examples
- The audience was mesmerized by the magician’s tricks.
- The beauty of the sunset mesmerized me.
Synonyms
- Fascinated
- Entranced
- Enchanted
Antonyms
- Bored
- Distracted
- Unimpressed
Etymology
The word “mesmerized” comes from the German term “mesmerismus,” coined by Franz Mesmer, an Austrian physician who studied hypnosis and its effects on the human mind.
Usage Notes
Mesmerized is often used to describe a person’s reaction to something that has captured their attention, such as a work of art, a performance, or a stunning natural scene.
Cultural References
The term “mesmerized” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film. For example, in the song “Mesmerized” by Faith Evans, the lyrics describe a person who is captured by another’s love.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
A phrase such as “to be under someone’s spell” is an idiomatic expression that applies to the concept of mesmerization.
Related Words or Phrases
Phrases like “fascination,” “enthrallment,” and “captivation” are closely related to mesmerization.
Collocations
Mesmerized is often collocated with words like “gazing,” “transfixed,” and “hypnotized.” For example, “The audience was mesmerized, gazing at the stage in awe.”
Frequency of Use
Mesmerized is a relatively uncommon verb in everyday language, but it is often used in formal or literary contexts to convey a strong emotional response.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the word “mesmerized” include “mesmorized,” “mesmarized,” and “mesmirized.”