hypnotised

Everyday

1. Put into a sleep-like state in which a person is very relaxed and open to suggestions (hypnosis). tree →
2. So fascinated by something that you cannot stop watching it: hypnotised by the screen. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, stage shows and cartoons (swinging watch, spiral eyes); in everyday talk about being glued to a screen. Phrases: hypnotised by, as if hypnotised.

Examples

• The magician said he had hypnotised a man from the audience. tree →
• The cat was hypnotised by the fish in the tank. tree →
• We sat hypnotised by the fireworks. tree →
• In the cartoon, the snake hypnotised the boy with its eyes. tree →
• She stared at the screen as if hypnotised. tree →
• Some doctors use hypnosis to help people stop smoking. tree →

Note

British spelling hypnotised; American hypnotized. Noun: hypnosis. Myth: a hypnotised person cannot be made to do something they really believe is wrong, and real hypnosis is not like cartoons.