adjective

hypnotic

hihp-NO-tihk

adjective

Relating to hypnosis, or having a trance-like, mesmerizing effect.

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

noun

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

more hypnotic comparative, hypnotics plural, most hypnotic superlative

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

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

exotic erotic robotic chaotic idiotic neurotic narcotic amniotic patriotic symbiotic psychotic antibiotic