English
mesmerism
Pronunciation
  • IPA: /ˈmɛzməˌɹɪzəm/
Noun

mesmerism

  1. The method or power of gaining control over someone's personality or actions, as in hypnosis or suggestion.
    • 1848, William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair, Chapter 23:
      What is the secret mesmerism which friendship possesses, and under the operation of which a person ordinarily sluggish, or cold, or timid, becomes wise, active, and resolute, in another's behalf?
  2. The state induced by hypnotic methods (especially that of Mesmer himself).
Translations

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