Definition of hypnotic

The term "hypnotic" originated from the Greek word "hypnos," which meant sleep or slumber. In the late 18th century, a German physician named Franz Mesmer introduced a method that aimed to induce a trance-like state in his patients, which he believed was caused by a mysterious force that he called "animal magnetism." At that time, the practice of animal magnetism was both mysterious and scandalous, and it was condemned by the medical establishment. However, an English physician named James Braid became interested in Mesmer's work and sought to understand its principles more deeply. Braid coined the term "neuro-hypnotism" to describe the state of deep relaxation and heightened suggestibility that he observed in his patients during what he referred to as "mesmeric" sessions. The term "hypnotism" quickly gained popularity, and it soon replaced "animal magnetism" as the preferred term for the practice. Today, the word "hypnotic" is often used to describe anything that has a powerful and entrancing effect on the mind or senses. It can refer to phenomena as diverse as mesmerizing performances by stage hypnotists, captivating visuals in motion pictures, or the calming influence of a peaceful natural scene. In short, the origin of the word "hypnotic" can be traced back to the Greek word "hypnos" and the practice of animal magnetism, which was popularized by Franz Mesmer and later transformed by James Braid into the more scientific and less mystical field of neuro-hypnotism.