To Mesmerize is to hypnotize, to fascinate, or to compel by fascination.
The hypnotist was able to mesmerize a member of the audience into believing she was a dog.
Mesmerize
# To spellbind; enthrall: "He could mesmerize an audience by the sheer force of his presence" (Justin Kaplan). # To hypnotize. Source: http://www.answers.com/mesmerize?gwp=11&ver=2.3.0.609&method=3
dr mesmer
disenchant, bore, disinterest
mesmerize, spellbind
'Transfix' and 'Hypnotise' are two that spring to mind....
rapt
The origin of the word "mesmerize" is the 18th century German doctor and astrologist Franz Anton Mesmer. Mesmer's ideas and theories led to the discovery of hypnosis. To "mesmerize" someone is to dazzle them into a sort of trance, much like hypnosis. See the Related Link below for the Wikipedia entry.
"Mesmerize" is a verb.
The term that best fits the definition to hypnotize is "mesmerize." It refers to capturing someone's attention and holding it in a powerful or compelling way.
Another word for spellbound, hypnotized, fascinated. The baby was mesmerized by the shiny, sparkly toy.