adjective
hypnotic
hip-NAH-tik/hɪpˈnɑːtɪk/
Relating to or producing a hypnotic trance.
The pendulum's hypnotic motion holds the seated woman's glassy gaze.
Etymology
The Greek adjective described inducing sleep, and English first used the word for sleep-inducing drugs. Its later connection with an induced trance underlies the figurative sense of holding someone’s attention as if spellbound.
In context
this is like my favorite animation on this whole thing it's so hypnotic I just want to stare at it
More examples
- The volunteer enters a hypnotic trance on stage.
- The researcher studies how people respond to hypnotic suggestion.
- Her slow, steady voice has a hypnotic effect during the session.
Forms
hypnotic
hypnosis noun — An induced trance involving focused attention.
hypnotize verb — To put someone into a hypnotic trance.
Similar words
- mesmeric
- Emphasizes inducing a trance rather than simply relating to hypnosis.