mesmerised crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "mesmerised", covering various possible word lengths to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "mesmerised crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HELD: To be kept in a fixed position or state, implying a strong grip or fascination.
RAPT: Completely engrossed or absorbed; deeply fascinated.
5 Letters
DAZED: In a state of bewildered confusion or shock, often due to a strong impression.
FIXED: Firmly or unchangeably established or set; often used to describe eyes staring intently, as if mesmerised.
7 Letters
TRANCED: To be in or as if in a trance; deeply absorbed or unconscious.
10 Letters
HYPNOTIZED: To produce a hypnotic state in someone; a direct synonym for mesmerised.
ENTHRALLED: To capture the fascinated attention of someone; to charm or enchant.
CAPTIVATED: To attract and hold the attention or interest of; to charm.
10 Letters
SPELLBOUND: Held by or as if by a magic spell; fascinated.
More About "mesmerised crossword clue"
"Mesmerised" is a rich and evocative word that often appears in crosswords. It stems from the Austrian physician Franz Mesmer, who theorized about "animal magnetism" in the 18th century, a precursor to modern hypnotism. To be mesmerised means to be completely captivated, held spellbound, or under a powerful, almost hypnotic, influence. This can refer to a person's attention being intensely focused, or their mind being seemingly controlled by an external force.
In crosswords, clues for "mesmerised" frequently play on its various shades of meaning. Solutions might range from direct synonyms like "hypnotized" or "enthralled" to more figurative terms such as "spellbound" or "rapt." The past tense form of the word is also crucial, guiding solvers to look for other past tense verbs or adjectives that fit the number of letters and existing grid entries. Understanding the root and nuances of "mesmerised" can significantly aid in deciphering challenging clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For words like "mesmerised," always think of direct synonyms (e.g., captivated, enthralled) but also consider if the clue is looking for an opposite meaning if phrased differently.
- Check Word Length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. If you have an answer in mind, verify its length precisely to ensure it fits the grid.
- Look for Tense and Part of Speech: "Mesmerised" is a past tense verb or an adjective. Ensure your potential answer matches the clue's grammatical form. For instance, if the clue was "mesmerise," you'd look for an infinitive or present tense verb.
- Utilize Cross-References: If you've filled in intersecting words, use those letters to narrow down possibilities for the "mesmerised" clue. Even one letter can often eliminate many incorrect answers.
- Think Figuratively: Sometimes, crossword clues for "mesmerised" aren't literal. They might refer to being "frozen" by fear or "fixed" by a gaze, rather than literally hypnotized.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the word 'mesmerised'?
The word 'mesmerised' comes from the name of Franz Mesmer (1734–1815), an Austrian physician who developed a theory of 'animal magnetism,' which involved a supposed invisible natural force possessed by all living things. His controversial practices, later debunked as pseudoscience, involved putting patients into a trance-like state, leading to the term 'mesmerise' meaning to hypnotize or to hold someone's complete attention.
Can 'mesmerised' have a negative connotation in crosswords?
While 'mesmerised' often implies fascination or charm, it can also have a subtle negative connotation in crosswords, suggesting a loss of free will or being led astray. Depending on the puzzle's theme or other clues, it might hint at being 'tricked' or 'duped' if the setter intends a more obscure or tricky answer.
How do I differentiate between 'mesmerised' and 'hypnotized' in crosswords if both fit?
If both 'mesmerised' and 'hypnotized' fit the letter count for a clue, examine other intersecting words. The specific letters provided by the cross-answers will be the deciding factor. Also, consider the nuance of the clue itself; some setters might hint at a more direct, clinical process (hypnotized) versus a more general state of enchantment (mesmerised).