How Do You Spell MESMERISM?

Pronunciation: [mˈɛsməɹˌɪzəm] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "mesmerism" is often confused due to its unique pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /ˈmɛzmərɪzəm/. The first syllable is pronounced with a voiced "z" sound instead of the expected "s" sound. This is due to the word's origin from the name of Franz Mesmer, the founder of mesmerism, which was a form of hypnotism. The "-ism" suffix is pronounced as "iz-uhm", further adding to the unusual pronunciation of the word.

MESMERISM Meaning and Definition

1. Mesmerism refers to a form of hypnotism or animal magnetism that was particularly popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The term is derived from the name of its founder, Franz Mesmer, an Austrian physician who believed in the existence of a magnetic fluid flowing within living beings and proposed that the manipulation of this fluid could be used for healing purposes. Mesmerism involves inducing a trance-like state in the subject through various techniques such as passes or gestures, intense concentration, and verbal suggestion.

   In the mesmerized state, individuals are highly susceptible to the influence and control of the mesmerist. It is believed that this heightened susceptibility allows for the manipulation of physical and mental processes, making it possible to produce effects like pain relief, relaxation, or altered states of consciousness. Mesmerism was popularized through public demonstrations and gained wider attention due to its alleged ability to treat various physical and psychological ailments.

   While mesmerism initially attracted great interest, it eventually faced significant skepticism from the medical and scientific community. Many believed that the effects attributed to mesmerism were simply the product of suggestion or placebo. However, mesmerism contributed to the development of modern hypnosis and its acknowledgment as a legitimate therapeutic technique. Although the term mesmerism has since fallen into disuse, it remains an important historical concept in the evolution of hypnotism and its study of the mind-body connection.

2. The art of inducing a state of complete coma or insensibility, or of somnambulism, in which the operator claims to control the actions, and communicate directly with the mind, of the recipient; the doctrine of animal magnetism.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MESMERISM

• mesmorise
• mezmerise
• mesmerises
• mesmerisee
• mesmerizm
• mesmarism
• messmerist
• masmerist
• dysmerizm
• dismerism
• meserisms
• dysmierism
• dzesmerism
• mellerism
• mesmirism
• Mesmerisor
• Mesmerisims
• Mesmerismos

Etymology of MESMERISM

The word "mesmerism" is derived from the name of an 18th-century Austrian physician named Franz Anton Mesmer. He developed a theory of "animal magnetism", which he believed was a universal force that flowed through all living beings. Mesmer claimed that by manipulating this force, he could induce a healing effect and alleviate various physical and mental ailments. Mesmerism became popular during that time and involved the use of techniques such as hypnotic suggestion and touch to create a trance-like state in patients.

Over time, the term "mesmerism" came to be associated with hypnotism and the induction of a hypnotic state. The word entered the English language in the early 19th century, and its etymology reflects its origin from Franz Anton Mesmer's theories and practices.

Similar spelling words for MESMERISM

• meissner,
• mesmerise,
• mesmerized,
• mesmerize,
• mesmerised,
• mesmerizing,
• mesmeric,
• messner,
• mesmer,
• messmer,
• meisner,
• mesmerist,
• missmrsm,
• mesomerism.

Plural form of MESMERISM is MESMERISMS