hypnosis

Everyday

1. Hypnosis is a deeply relaxed, dreamlike state in which a person focuses closely and may follow suggestions more easily. tree →
2. Hypnosis is also the act of putting someone into this state. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, some therapists use hypnosis to help people relax, stop bad habits or feel less scared. In stories and cartoons, hypnosis is shown with swinging watches and spinning eyes, and the hypnotised person must obey — this is fiction. Stage shows of hypnosis are entertainment. Phrases: under hypnosis, stage hypnosis.

Examples

• The doctor used hypnosis to help him stop smoking. tree →
• In the cartoon, the villain used hypnosis with a swinging watch. tree →
• People under hypnosis are very relaxed, but still aware. tree →
• The magician pretended to use hypnosis on a volunteer. tree →
• She tried hypnosis to help with her fear of flying. tree →
• The snake in the film used hypnosis to make the boy sleepy. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Verb: hypnotise (UK) / hypnotize (US); adjective: hypnotic; a person who does it: hypnotist. Myth: a hypnotised person cannot be forced to do things they really do not want to do, and hypnosis is not magic or sleep.