Mesmerized: meaning, definitions and examples

Having one's attention fully absorbed, often in a way that feels almost magical or hypnotic.

• She was mesmerized by the dancer's graceful movements.
• The stunning sunset left him mesmerized.

To attract and hold the interest or attention of someone, usually through charm, beauty, or excellence.

• The storyteller captivated the audience with his tale.
• Her performance was so captivating that no one wanted to leave.

To delight someone in a way that seems magical; often used in romantic or fairy-tale-like contexts.

• The garden was so beautiful, it seemed to enchant everyone who visited.
• He was enchanted by her melodious voice.

To fill someone with wonder and delight, sometimes to the point where they are almost spellbound.

• The magician's tricks entranced the children.
• The actor's heartfelt performance completely entranced the audience.

Used when someone is fascinated or captivated so much that they cannot look away or do anything else.

• She was mesmerized by the beautiful sunset
• The magician's tricks had the audience mesmerized

Often used when someone is under the influence of hypnosis or appears to be. This word can have a clinical or dramatic nuance and sometimes negative connotations.

• The hypnotist managed to hypnotize the volunteers
• She seemed hypnotized by the flickering candle flame

Typically used when someone is so fascinated by something that they are momentarily unaware of everything else. It can also have a somewhat formal or literary tone.

• The music seems to entrance everyone who hears it
• He stood at the edge of the cliff, entranced by the view

Used in a more dramatic or literary sense to describe someone who is enchanted or captivated by something extraordinary. It frequently appears in storytelling or descriptions of magical events.

• The storyteller's words seemed to spellbind the children
• The book was so good that it managed to spellbind readers of all ages