English vocabulary · C1
Hypnotic
/hɪpˈnɑːtɪk/ · adj.
Hypnotic describes something that holds your eyes and mind. You keep watching and find it hard to look away.
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Example sentences
- The dancer's hypnotic rhythm held the whole crowd.
- Hypnotic waves kept Leo staring at the sea.
Word origin and roots
from Greek
- hypn — sleep (from Greek)
Synonyms and nuances
- CAPTIVATING — holds your attention (Keeps Strong Interest)
- MESMERIZING — holds your eyes (Hard To Look Away)
- ENTRANCING — fills you with wonder (Feels Like A Dream)
Words with the same root
hypn — sleep
- hypnotherapy — treatment that uses hypnosis
Lesson notes
Hypnotic describes something that holds your eyes and mind. You keep watching and find it hard to look away.
Related: captivating, mesmerizing, entrancing. Use hypnotic when a sight holds your full attention.
The dancer's hypnotic rhythm held the whole crowd. Hypnotic waves kept Leo staring at the sea.
From Greek. Hypn- means sleep. Sleep comes close as slow light holds every eye. That calm pull is hypnotic.