mesmerise crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the "mesmerise crossword clue", helping you complete your puzzle with ease. We've gathered all possible answers, organized by letter count, to give you the quickest help possible.
Solutions for "mesmerise crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CHARM: To delight greatly, or to put into a trance-like state. Often used to describe something that captivates attention.
7 Letters
BEWITCH: To cast a spell over (someone), or to enchant and enthrall (someone). Implies a powerful, almost magical, captivating effect.
8 Letters
ENTHRALL: To capture the fascinated attention of. This word perfectly describes the effect of mesmerising someone through captivating them entirely.
9 Letters
HYPNOTIZE: To produce a state of hypnosis in (someone). The word 'mesmerise' itself originates from Franz Mesmer's animal magnetism theories, closely related to hypnosis.
CAPTIVATE: To attract and hold the attention or interest of. This is a very common synonym for mesmerise, indicating complete absorption of someone's interest.
More About "mesmerise crossword clue"
The word "mesmerise" means to hold the attention of (someone) to the exclusion of all else or to hypnotize. Its origin is quite fascinating, coming from Franz Mesmer, an 18th-century German physician who theorized about "animal magnetism" and used it as a form of therapy. While his methods were controversial, the term "mesmerise" became widely adopted to describe being spellbound or deeply captivated.
In crosswords, clues like "mesmerise" often test your knowledge of synonyms and words with similar connotations of enchantment, allure, or psychological influence. It's a versatile clue that can lead to answers across various letter counts, depending on the specific nuance the puzzle setter intends.
Understanding the etymology can sometimes provide an extra hint, especially when the puzzle might be playing on the "hypnotic" aspect rather than just "captivating." Always consider the word's full range of meanings when solving!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuances: Even if a word is a synonym, its specific nuance might be key. For "mesmerise," think about whether the clue emphasizes charm, hypnotism, or simply intense interest.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial guide. Always start by filtering possible answers by length, as demonstrated above for "mesmerise."
- Look for Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from crossing words, use them to narrow down the possibilities dramatically. This is often the quickest way to confirm an answer.
- Think Outside the Box: Sometimes, crossword setters use puns or less common definitions. If a direct synonym doesn't fit, consider alternative meanings or idiomatic uses.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'mesmerise' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'mesmerise' typically refers to captivating, enchanting, or putting someone into a trance-like state. Common answers are synonyms like ENTHRALL, HYPNOTIZE, or BEWITCH, focusing on the idea of holding someone's attention completely or influencing them deeply.
Are there other words similar to 'mesmerise' often found in crosswords?
Yes, clues related to 'mesmerise' often feature synonyms such as CHARM, CAPTURE, FASCINATE, SPELLBIND, or ENCHANT. The specific answer will depend on the letter count and any intersecting letters in the puzzle.
How can I find synonyms for clues like 'mesmerise'?
When stuck on a clue like 'mesmerise', think about its core meaning: to hold attention or put under a spell. Brainstorm words with similar meanings. Use an online thesaurus, or a specialized crossword solver that can suggest words based on length and known letters. Sometimes considering the context of the puzzle's theme can also help.