mesmerism

noun

1. hypnosis as induced, according to F. A. Mesmer, through animal magnetism.
2. hypnotism.
3. a compelling attraction; fascination.

noun psychol

1. a hypnotic state induced by the operator’s imposition of his will on that of the patient
2. an early doctrine concerning this

n.“hypnotism,” 1802, from French mesmérisme, named for Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815), Austrian physician who developed a theory of animal magnetism and a mysterious body fluid which allows one person to hypnotize another. Related: Mesmerist. n.

1. A strong or spellbinding appeal; fascination.
2. Hypnotic induction that is believed to involve animal magnetism.
3. Hypnotism.