hypnotic

IPA/hɪpˈnɒtɪk/
KK[hɪpnˈɑtɪk]IPA/hɪpˈnɑːtɪk/

hypnotic — adjective

  • hypnoticpositive
  • more hypnoticcomparative
  • most hypnoticsuperlative

1. used for hypnosis, or happening while someone is in a guided trance-like conditi

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

used for hypnosis, or happening while someone is in a guided trance-like condition.

Example

The therapist spoke softly as Mila entered a hypnotic state in the clinic chair.

hypnotic state (psychology collocation)

Researchers recorded Julio's breathing during the hypnotic session at the sleep lab.

hypnotic session (clinical context)

Common collocations
  • hypnotic state
  • hypnotic suggestion
  • hypnotic therapy
  • hypnotic technique
Synonyms
  • hypnotized

    describes the person affected, not the method or state itself

  • trance-related

    broader and less technical than hypnotic

Antonyms
  • fully alert

    describes normal wakeful awareness instead of a trance condition

Grammar Patterns

hypnotic state

hypnotic therapy

under hypnotic suggestion

Usage Note

Usually appears before nouns such as state, suggestion, technique, or therapy. Distinguish from sense 2, which describes something that makes people sleepy or trance-like rather than the hypnosis process itself.

Common Mistakes

The music was hypnotic therapy.
The music was hypnotic.' or 'The therapist used hypnotic therapy.
this sense usually modifies a noun connected with hypnosis, not a general thing you are describing directly.

2. making you feel drowsy or mentally distant, often because of steady sound, movem

2.adjectiveC1
Definition

making you feel drowsy or mentally distant, often because of steady sound, movement, or repeated action.

Example

The train's hypnotic rocking almost sent Hui to sleep before the first stop.

hypnotic + repeated movement

Rain on the metal roof made a hypnotic beat through the whole night.

hypnotic + repeated sound

Common collocations
  • hypnotic rhythm
  • hypnotic beat
  • hypnotic motion
  • hypnotic hum
Synonyms
  • soporific

    more formal and more strongly focused on causing sleep

  • mesmerizing

    can overlap, but often focuses on attention rather than sleepiness

  • soothing

    weaker; soothing may calm you without making you drowsy

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

hypnotic rhythm

hypnotic effect

be hypnotic to + person

Usage Note

Usually describes a repeated sound, motion, or light pattern. Unlike sense 1, it does not require actual hypnosis; the effect may simply make someone sleepy or mentally blank.

Common Mistakes

The lecture was hypnotic because it was very interesting.
The lecture was captivating.
this sense is about a trance-like sleepy effect, not simply strong interest.

3. holding your attention so strongly that it feels difficult to look away or think

3.adjectiveC1
Definition

holding your attention so strongly that it feels difficult to look away or think of anything else.

Example

Yasmin gave a hypnotic dance performance that silenced the crowded hall.

hypnotic performance (attention-holding)

The painter's hypnotic use of color kept Christopher in front of the canvas for minutes.

hypnotic use of color

Common collocations
  • hypnotic performance
  • hypnotic beauty
  • hypnotic voice
  • hypnotic spell
Synonyms
  • captivating

    broader and more neutral; it lacks the trance-like force of hypnotic

  • mesmerizing

    very close, often used for visual or artistic attraction

  • spellbinding

    slightly more dramatic and literary

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

hypnotic performance

hypnotic beauty

have a hypnotic hold on + person

Usage Note

Often used for art, movement, voices, or visual scenes that capture attention. Distinguish from sense 2: sense 2 emphasizes sleepiness or trance, while this sense emphasizes fascination and sustained attention.

Common Mistakes

The instructions were hypnotic because they were easy to follow.
The instructions were clear.
hypnotic does not simply mean easy or pleasant; it suggests a powerful hold on attention.

hypnotic — noun

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/3

'Captivating' is the broad everyday choice for something that strongly interests or pleases you. 'Mesmerizing' and 'spellbinding' both add a stronger sense of being mentally seized, but 'mesmerizing' often suggests smooth visual or rhythmic attraction, while 'spellbinding' sounds more dramatic and literary. 'Hypnotic' goes one step further by suggesting a trance-like hold on attention, especially through repeated sound, movement, or an unusually powerful performance.

hypnotic ↗mesmerizing ↗captivating ↗spellbinding ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • enter a hypnotic state
  • under hypnotic suggestion
  • hypnotic rhythm
  • hypnotic pull
  • prescribe a hypnotic

Prepositions

Etymology

Ancient GreekFrenchModern English

From Greek 'hypnos', meaning 'sleep', through French and modern scientific English forms connected with hypnosis. The adjective first described matters related to hypnosis, and later widened to describe sounds, movements, or performances that seem to place someone in a sleep-like or spellbound state.

First known use

1625

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Noun