MESMERISM

n. hypnotism; compelling attraction; theories and ideas of Franz Mesmer on animal magnetism

Animal magnetism (French: magnétisme animal) is also known eponymously as mesmerism after Franz Mesmer who postulated the existence of a magnetic fluid or ethereal medium as a therapeutic agent.
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Mesmerism /mes·mer·ism/ hypnotism. mes·mer·ism n. 1. A strong or spellbinding appeal; fascination. 2. [more]Mesmerism - Community and Resources

Noun
1. the act of inducing hypnosis
(synonym) hypnotism, suggestion
(hypernym) influence

(n.)
The art of inducing an extraordinary or abnormal state of the nervous system, in which the actor claims to control the actions, and communicate directly with the mind, of the recipient. See Animal magnetism, under Magnetism.