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adjective

hypnotic

hihp-NO-tihk

Hypnotic (adjective) means relating to hypnosis, or having a trance-like, mesmerizing effect. Example: “The dancer's slow, hypnotic movements held the audience captive.”

adjective
1
Relating to hypnosis, or having a trance-like, mesmerizing effect.
"The dancer's slow, hypnotic movements held the audience captive."
noun
1
A drug that induces sleep.
"The patient was given a mild hypnotic to help with insomnia."

How to use hypnotic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething so captivating or rhythmic it feels almost trance-inducing — or, as a noun, a sleep-inducing drug.

Common pairings
hypnotic rhythm hypnotic gaze hypnotic drug

Word forms

more hypnotic comparative, hypnotics plural, most hypnotic superlative

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The dancer's slow, _____ movements held the audience captive.

Etymology

From French hypnotique, ultimately from Greek hypnos ("sleep").

Origin: French

Related words

Rhymes for hypnotic

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Frequently asked questions

What does “hypnotic” mean?

The word “hypnotic” means relating to hypnosis, or having a trance-like, mesmerizing effect. In plain terms, something so captivating or rhythmic it feels almost trance-inducing — or, as a noun, a sleep-inducing drug.

How do you pronounce “hypnotic”?

“Hypnotic” is pronounced hihp-NO-tihk (/hɪpˈnɑ.tɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “hypnotic” in a sentence?

Here is “hypnotic” used in a sentence: “The dancer's slow, hypnotic movements held the audience captive.”

What part of speech is “hypnotic”?

Depending on how it is used, “hypnotic” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “hypnotic” come from?

The word “hypnotic” comes from French. From French hypnotique, ultimately from Greek hypnos ("sleep").

How many meanings does “hypnotic” have?

“Hypnotic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to hypnosis, or having a trance-like, mesmerizing effect.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial