Definition of: mesmerism

(mes′mə·riz′əm, mez′-) noun
1. The theory, as exemplified by Franz Anton Mesmer, 1733–1815, that one person can produce in another an abnormal condition resembling sleep, during which the mind of the subject is passively responsive to the will of the operator: now identified with hypnotism. Compare ANIMAL MAGNETISM.
2. Personal magnetism.
—mes·mer·ic (mes·mer′ik, mez-), mes·mer′i·cal adjective
—mes·mer′i·cal·ly adverb
—mes′mer·ist noun