magnétiser

Senses

1. 1.

   to magnetize

   to make magnetic or impart magnetic properties to

2. 2.

   to mesmerize / to hypnotize

   to put someone in a trance state (historical/dated usage)

3. 3.

   to captivate / to fascinate

   to hold someone's attention irresistibly

Examples

• "Le champ électrique magnétise le fer."

  The electric field magnetizes the iron.

• "Sa personnalité magnétise le public."

  His personality captivates the audience.

• "Le magnétiseur a magnétisé son patient au XIXe siècle."

  The mesmerist hypnotized his patient in the 19th century.

Usage

A standard French verb with primary technical meaning in physics. The figurative sense (to captivate) is common in modern usage. The hypnotic sense is now primarily historical or used in specific cultural contexts (mesmerism). Regular first-group conjugation.