hypnotic

1 of 2

adjective

hyp·​not·​ic hip-ˈnä-tik 

1

: tending to produce sleep : soporific

2

a

: of or relating to hypnosis or hypnotism

b

: readily holding the attention

a hypnotic personality

a simple hypnotic beat

hypnotically

hip-ˈnä-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

hypnotic

2 of 2

noun

1

: a sleep-inducing agent : soporific

2

: one that is or can be hypnotized

Synonyms

Adjective

• soothing
• hypnotizing
• narcotic
• soporific
• opiate
• slumbrous
• drowsy
• somnolent
• slumberous
• sleepy
• comforting

Examples of hypnotic in a Sentence

Adjective

The psychologist put her into a hypnotic state.

Riding in a car often has a hypnotic effect on babies.

the steady, hypnotic rhythm of the train

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The aquarium has been a pioneer from the start, unveiling the world’s first living kelp forest exhibit and debuting large-scale displays of jellyfish—hypnotic creatures that pulse rhythmically through the glowing blue waters. —Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

Even so, as Jerry delivers his hokum, Offerman invests it with a hypnotic clarity, a sense that Jerry is trying to create a rational and just world — to create salvation — out of the irrational. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 July 2025

Noun

An example of over-the-counter drugs are anti-histamines that can help with insomnia, while some prescription drugs doctors may use are different types of sedatives and hypnotics. —Omer Awan, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024

Certain classes of drugs, including certain antipsychotics, hypnotics, antidepressants, and anticholinergic medications, can trigger sundowning. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French or Late Latin; French hypnotique, from Late Latin hypnoticus, from Greek hypnōtikos, from hypnoun to put to sleep, from hypnos

First Known Use

Adjective

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hypnotic

• aprotic
• aquatic
• biotic
• chaotic
• cirrhotic
• despotic
• dichotic
• erotic
• euphotic
• exotic
• fibrotic
• hieratic

Kids Definition

hypnotic

1 of 2 adjective

hyp·​not·​ic hip-ˈnät-ik 

1

: tending to cause sleep

2

: of or relating to hypnosis or hypnotism

hypnotically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

hypnotic

2 of 2 noun

: an agent (as a drug) that causes or tends to cause sleep

Medical Definition

hypnotic

1 of 2 adjective

hyp·​not·​ic hip-ˈnät-ik 

1

: tending to produce sleep : soporific

2

: of or relating to hypnosis or hypnotism

hypnotically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

hypnotic

2 of 2 noun

1

: a sleep-inducing agent : soporific

2

: one that is or can be hypnotized