Mesmerize synonym,synonyms of mesmerize
1. Hypnotize
Similarities
- “Mesmerize” and “hypnotize” both involve captivating a person's attention to an intense degree. In a literal sense, when a hypnotist hypnotizes a subject, they are guiding the person into a trance - like state where their attention is highly focused on the hypnotist's suggestions. Similarly, when something mesmerizes a person, it completely engrosses their attention. For example, a breathtaking magic show can mesmerize an audience, just as a skilled hypnotist can hypnotize a volunteer from the audience. In both cases, the person's attention is fully captured, and they become highly engaged with the experience.
Differences
- “Hypnotize” has a more specific and technical connotation, mainly associated with the practice of hypnosis. Hypnosis is a therapeutic or psychological technique where a trained professional, the hypnotist, uses a series of verbal cues, relaxation techniques, and focused attention to guide a person into a trance - like state. In this state, the person's subconscious mind becomes more receptive to suggestions, which can be used for various purposes such as treating phobias, anxiety disorders, smoking cessation, and pain management. The process of hypnotizing someone is often carried out in a controlled environment, such as a therapist's office, and requires the consent and cooperation of the subject.
- “Mesmerize,” on the other hand, is a more general and figurative term that can be used to describe any situation where a person's attention is completely captivated or spellbound by something. It does not necessarily involve the specific techniques or states associated with hypnosis. For example, a beautiful sunset can mesmerize a person, as can a compelling novel, a powerful speech, or a spectacular dance performance. In these cases, the person is simply deeply engrossed and fascinated by the experience, without necessarily being in a trance - like state or being subject to specific suggestions. The term “mesmerize” can be used in a wide range of contexts, both literal and figurative, to describe the intense and captivating effect that something can have on a person's attention.
2. Enthrall
Similarities
- “Mesmerize,” “hypnotize,” and “enthrall” all share the common characteristic of capturing a person's attention and holding it in a state of intense focus or fascination. When a person is mesmerized, hypnotized, or enthralled, they are fully engaged with the object, event, or experience that is captivating them. For example, in a live music concert, the performance of a talented musician can mesmerize, hypnotize, or enthrall the audience. The audience members become completely absorbed in the music, their attention focused on the musician's every note, gesture, and expression. They may feel a sense of awe, wonder, and emotional connection to the music, as if they have been transported to another world. In this case, the terms “mesmerize,” “hypnotize,” and “enthrall” can all be used to describe the intense and captivating effect that the music has on the audience.
Differences
- “Enthrall” often implies a deeper emotional and intellectual engagement compared to “mesmerize” and “hypnotize.” When a person is enthralled by something, they are not only captivated by its surface - level features but also deeply moved and intellectually stimulated by it. For example, a person may be enthralled by a complex and thought - provoking novel. The novel may not only have a compelling plot and well - developed characters but also explore deep philosophical, social, and emotional themes. As the person reads the novel, they become completely absorbed in its world, their emotions and thoughts stirred by the story and its underlying messages. They may find themselves reflecting on the novel long after they have finished reading it, their perspective on the world and themselves changed by the experience. In this case, the term “enthrall” is used to describe the deep and profound emotional and intellectual engagement that the person has with the novel.
- “Mesmerize,” as previously mentioned, is a more general and figurative term that can be used to describe any situation where a person's attention is completely captivated or spellbound by something. It does not necessarily imply the same level of emotional and intellectual depth as “enthrall.” For example, a person may be mesmerized by a beautiful sunset. The sunset may be a stunning display of colors, light, and shadow, captivating the person's attention and holding it in a state of awe and wonder. However, the experience of being mesmerized by the sunset may not necessarily involve the same level of emotional and intellectual depth as being enthralled by a complex and thought - provoking novel. The person may simply enjoy the beauty of the sunset in a momentary and superficial way, without necessarily reflecting on its deeper meaning or significance. In this case, the term “mesmerize” is used to describe the intense and captivating effect that the sunset has on the person's attention, without necessarily implying the same level of emotional and intellectual depth as “enthrall.”
- “Hypnotize,” as we have seen, has a more specific and technical connotation, mainly associated with the practice of hypnosis. It involves guiding a person into a trance - like state where their attention is highly focused on the hypnotist's suggestions. The process of hypnotizing someone is often carried out in a controlled environment, such as a therapist's office, and requires the consent and cooperation of the subject. The term “hypnotize” is not typically used in the same way as “mesmerize” and “enthrall” to describe the general experience of being captivated or spellbound by something. For example, it would be unusual to say that a person was hypnotized by a beautiful sunset or a compelling novel. The term “hypnotize” is reserved for the specific context of the practice of hypnosis, where a trained professional uses a series of techniques to guide a person into a trance - like state and make their subconscious mind more receptive to suggestions.
