mesmerism crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "mesmerism crossword clue" by Letter Count
8 Letters
HYPNOSIS: A state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, often induced by a procedure known as hypnotic induction, closely related to historical mesmerism.
6 Letters
TRANCE: A sleeplike state of altered consciousness, typically induced by hypnosis or involving an ecstatic or religious experience, mirroring the effects of mesmerism.
5 Letters
SPELL: In a figurative sense, being "under a spell" describes the captivating and powerful influence that mesmerism was believed to exert over individuals.
4 Letters
DAZE: A state of stunned confusion or bewilderment, often associated with feeling disoriented or under a strong influence, much like the effects described by early mesmerists.
More About "mesmerism crossword clue"
Mesmerism, named after German physician Franz Mesmer (1734-1815), refers to a theory of "animal magnetism" where an invisible natural force was believed to be transferred between objects and people. Mesmer claimed to cure illnesses by restoring the balance of this magnetic fluid. While his methods were later discredited as a scientific theory, the practices he introduced laid the groundwork for what we now understand as hypnosis.
In crossword puzzles, clues referencing mesmerism often point towards words related to altered states of consciousness, strong influence, or captivating effects. This includes direct synonyms for its modern equivalent, hypnosis, as well as more descriptive terms like 'trance' or being 'under a spell'. Understanding the historical context and the core concept of irresistible influence can unlock these types of clues.
When you encounter 'mesmerism' in a crossword, think broadly about its implications: what does it do to a person? What state are they in? This will guide you to answers that fit the provided letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Related Concepts: For abstract clues like "mesmerism," think of not just direct synonyms, but also related states (e.g., altered consciousness, deep focus) or actions (e.g., influencing, charming).
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer with the required letter count. This is often the quickest way to narrow down possibilities, especially when multiple answers seem plausible.
- Look for Cross-References: If stuck, try solving intersecting clues. Letters from those answers can provide crucial hints for the "mesmerism" clue, revealing the correct word.
- Think Figuratively and Literally: Some clues can be tricky because they use words in a non-literal sense. For 'mesmerism', consider both the literal hypnotic state and the figurative sense of being captivated or charmed.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mesmerism in the context of crosswords?
Mesmerism refers to a hypnotic or trancelike state, often used as a clue to suggest answers like HYPNOSIS, TRANCE, or even words describing a captivating influence.
Are 'mesmerism' and 'hypnosis' the same?
While often used interchangeably in common language, mesmerism is an older term coined by Franz Mesmer, referring to animal magnetism, which later evolved into the understanding of hypnosis. In crosswords, they are very closely related.
How can I find answers related to abstract clues like 'mesmerism'?
Look for synonyms, related concepts (like states of mind or influence), and consider the word length. Thinking about the *effect* of mesmerism can also lead to answers like 'trance' or 'daze'.