mesmerized

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mesmerized" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of being captivated by something. For example, "The audience was mesmerized by the singer's beautiful voice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

@lec101 tries to look for ethereal, magical moments that feel like refreshing escapes from city life, and says she is "forever mesmerized by the wild fog that is unique to San Francisco".

The Guardian

A couple of young textile-design students stood mesmerized before an 18th-century Indian miniature painting at Francesca Galloway.

The Economist

The tone is such, however, that the reader is mesmerized rather than repulsed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On Zola, the former Chelsea forward whose trickery mesmerized Premier League defenders for seven years at the turn of the century, Ferguson said: "He annoyed me.

Independent

I wasn't familiar with Stone Temple Pilots, but I was mesmerized.

Independent

Ms Batmanghelidjh defended herself on BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour from a barrage of accusations, including that she "mesmerized" Prime Minister David Cameron for more funding, that she handed out cash to her young clients who spent the money on drugs and expensive trainers and that one client was sent to a day spa.

Independent

And the next time a beautiful woman is killed and the world is transfixed, mesmerized.

Independent

Though delicate in appearance, she mesmerized the audience with her uninhibited dance, hauntingly high voice, and flair for comedy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The situation mesmerized newcomers, by flashing promises of ascension to the starry feeding trough.

The New Yorker

More and more American soldiers were being killed by powerful roadside bombs that had been planted by sophisticated fighters; the Pentagon, however, was mesmerized by its doctrine of high-technology warfare and initially refused to call the campaign an insurgency.

The New Yorker

The audience, for its part, was made up largely of young women and their admirers, who hooted or applauded or sat mesmerized as the delay tactics stretched to at least a third of the evening.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mesmerized" to describe a state of being completely captivated by something visually or intellectually. It implies a strong degree of focus and absorption, as in, "The audience was mesmerized by the intricate dance routine."

Common error

Avoid using "mesmerized" when "interested" or "intrigued" would suffice. "Mesmerized" indicates a deeper level of captivation than just casual interest. For example, don't say "I was mesmerized by the weather forecast"; instead, say "I found the weather forecast interesting."

Linguistic Context

The word "mesmerized" functions primarily as a past participle adjective. It describes a state of being completely captivated or fascinated by something. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing many examples where "mesmerized" modifies a noun to indicate a state of enchantment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "mesmerized" is a versatile adjective that aptly describes a state of being utterly captivated or fascinated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in journalistic and encyclopedic contexts. Its function is to express intense absorption, almost akin to a trance. While generally neutral in register, "mesmerized" finds its strongest presence in contexts such as "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias", indicating its suitability for both descriptive and analytical writing. Remember to use "mesmerized" when conveying deep captivation, avoiding its overuse for simple interest. Instead, opt for words like "interested" or "intrigued" when appropriate. By understanding the nuances of "mesmerized", you can effectively communicate a state of profound engagement and captivation in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spellbound

Emphasizes the magical or enchanting quality of the captivation.

enthralled

Suggests a feeling of being completely absorbed and delighted.

captivated

Highlights the act of being seized or taken hold of by something.

fascinated

Focuses on intellectual or curious engagement.

entranced

Implies a state of altered awareness, almost like a trance.

riveted

Suggests being fixed or fastened in place by intense interest.

transfixed

Indicates a state of being motionless due to awe or shock.

hooked

An informal term for being strongly attracted and engaged.

charmed

Implies a gentle and pleasing form of captivation.

under a spell

Suggests a magical influence causing the captivation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "mesmerized" in a sentence?

Use "mesmerized" to describe someone completely captivated by something, often to the point of being unable to look away or think of anything else. For example, "She was "mesmerized" by the magician's illusions".

What are some alternatives to "mesmerized"?

You can use alternatives like "spellbound", "enthralled", or "captivated" to convey a similar meaning of being deeply fascinated or entranced.

Is it correct to say "I am mesmerizing"?

No, "mesmerizing" is an adjective that describes something that captivates or fascinates others. You would say "I am mesmerized" to describe your own state of being captivated, or "I am fascinating" or "I am captivating" to describe yourself as someone who captivates others.

What's the difference between "mesmerized" and "hypnotized"?

"Mesmerized" generally implies being deeply captivated or fascinated, while "hypnotized" suggests a state induced by suggestion, often involving altered awareness. While both involve a kind of captivation, "hypnotized" has a more specific and clinical connotation.