Word of the Day: MESMERIZING

mesmerizing (adj) - riveting, captivating, or enthralling; hypnotic [mez-muh-rahy-zing]

• to mesmerize is to hypnotize or fascinate

• mesmerism is the act or practice of hypnotism

BREAKDOWN: Franz Anton Mesmer theorized the existence of a natural energy transference occurring between all animated and inanimate objects. Manipulation of this energy, which he called "animal magnetism," could be used to cure physical maladies. This process was referred to by the eponym mesmerism until 1843, when the term hypnotism became more popular.

“Watching television in those days was not the same experience as it is today. After years of listening to radio, we found the black-and-white images mesmerizing.” —Annette Funicello

[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not derived from classical roots.]