First Known Use: 1784
Dictionary
mesmerism
noun mes·mer·ism \ˈmez-mə-ˌri-zəm also ˈmes-\
Definition of MESMERISM
1
: hypnotic induction held to involve animal magnetism; broadly : hypnotism
2
: hypnotic appeal
— mes·mer·ist \-rist\ noun
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Origin of MESMERISM
F. A. Mesmer
Other Psychology Terms
Rhymes with MESMERISM
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Medical Dictionary
mesmerism
noun mes·mer·ism \ˈmez-mə-ˌriz-əm also ˈmes-\
Medical Definition of MESMERISM
: hypnotic induction by the practices of F. A. Mesmer that was believed to involve animal magnetism; broadly : hypnotism
Biographical Note for MESMERISM
Mes·mer \ˈmes-mər\ , Franz (1734–1815), German physician. Mesmer started a career in orthodox medicine but soon began to explore new theories of medicine. He began experimenting with the use of magnets as curative agents and gradually developed a theory of animal magnetism. He believed in the presence of invisible fluids in the body and that disease resulted from an interruption in the free flow of these fluids. The flow of the fluid could be corrected through magnetic force. Eventually he came to believe that his own body possessed special magnetic forces. In 1778 he began practicing mesmerism in Paris and created a popular sensation. In 1784 his followers started to apply his techniques to hypnosis. Mesmer was regarded as a fraud by contemporary medical authorities.
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