hypnotic

1 of 2

adjective

hyp·​not·​ic hip-ˈnä-tik How to pronounce hypnotic (audio)
Synonyms of hypnoticnext
1
: tending to produce sleep : soporific
2
a
: of or relating to hypnosis or hypnotism
b
: readily holding the attention
a hypnotic personality
a simple hypnotic beat
hypnotically
hip-ˈnä-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce hypnotic (audio)
adverb

hypnotic

2 of 2

noun

1
: a sleep-inducing agent : soporific
2
: one that is or can be hypnotized

Synonyms of hypnotic

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Adjective

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Examples of hypnotic in a Sentence

Adjective The psychologist put her into a hypnotic state. Riding in a car often has a hypnotic effect on babies. the steady, hypnotic rhythm of the train
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
And in the Dominican Republic, DIY beatmakers disassembled and sped up reggaeton’s dembow riddim into hypnotic dance floor experience, paving the way for crossover sensations like El Alfa and Tokischa. — Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026 Each feels expansively lush without ever losing that genuinely old school rock and roll momentum, in large part due to the hypnotic drumming of Adam Shumski and inventive lead guitars of Dan Ryan. — Brendan Hay, SPIN, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
An example of over-the-counter drugs are anti-histamines that can help with insomnia, while some prescription drugs doctors may use are different types of sedatives and hypnotics. — Omer Awan, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 Certain classes of drugs, including certain antipsychotics, hypnotics, antidepressants, and anticholinergic medications, can trigger sundowning. — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for hypnotic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French or Late Latin; French hypnotique, from Late Latin hypnoticus, from Greek hypnōtikos, from hypnoun to put to sleep, from hypnos

First Known Use

Adjective

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypnotic was in 1625

Rhymes for hypnotic

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Browse Nearby Words

hypnotherapy
hypnotic
hypnotically
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hypnotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypnotic. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hypnotic

1 of 2 adjective
hyp·​not·​ic hip-ˈnät-ik How to pronounce hypnotic (audio)
1
: tending to cause sleep
2
: of or relating to hypnosis or hypnotism
hypnotically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce hypnotic (audio)
adverb

hypnotic

2 of 2 noun
: an agent (as a drug) that causes or tends to cause sleep

Medical Definition

hypnotic

1 of 2 adjective
hyp·​not·​ic hip-ˈnät-ik How to pronounce hypnotic (audio)
1
: tending to produce sleep : soporific
2
: of or relating to hypnosis or hypnotism
hypnotically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce hypnotic (audio)
adverb

hypnotic

2 of 2 noun
1
: a sleep-inducing agent : soporific
2
: one that is or can be hypnotized

More from Merriam-Webster on hypnotic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypnotic

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