Hypnotic: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used to describe something that is so fascinating it seems to put people in a trance. It often has a slightly neutral or negative connotation, suggesting that the object grabs attention in a way that feels almost involuntary.

• The dancer's movements were hypnotic, drawing everyone's eyes to the stage.
• The monotonous sound of the machinery had a hypnotic effect on the workers.

Use this word when something deeply fascinates or charms you, almost making you lose track of time. It suggests a stronger allure than 'captivating' and often implies a magical or enchanting quality.

• The music was entrancing, making everyone feel as if they were in a different world.
• She found the view from the mountaintop completely entrancing.

This word describes something that grips your attention so strongly that you can't look away. It suggests a powerful, almost spellbinding quality and can have both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context.

• The magician's performance was mesmerizing, leaving the audience in awe.
• The flickering flames of the campfire were mesmerizing to watch.

This word is best suited for situations where something holds your interest or attention in a delightful or charming way. It generally has a positive connotation.

• The story was so captivating that I couldn't put the book down.
• Her captivating smile lit up the entire room.

Use 'hypnotic' when describing something that induces a trance-like state or has a calming, almost mesmerizing effect.

• The rhythm of the music was hypnotic, lulling everyone into a relaxed state.
• Her voice was so hypnotic that he found it hard to concentrate on anything else.

Use 'captivating' when referring to something that grabs and holds your attention through its charm or beauty.

• The story was so captivating that I couldn't put the book down.
• Her speech was captivating, and the audience hung on to her every word.

Use 'mesmerizing' to describe something so fascinating or attractive that it captures your complete attention.

• The dancers' performance was mesmerizing and held the audience spellbound.
• He had mesmerizing eyes that she found impossible to look away from.

Use 'enchanting' when describing something that is charming in a magical or fairy-tale-like way.

• The garden was enchanting, filled with blooming flowers and twinkling lights.
• She had an enchanting smile that made everyone around her feel special.