hypnotic
Meaning
relating to or producing hypnosis
(especially of a drug) inducing sleep
a sleep-inducing drug
a person under or open to the influence of suggestion
Structure
Usage
the rhythmic sound of the waves had a hypnotic effect on the listeners.
the doctor prescribed a mild hypnotic to help with her insomnia.
his voice was soft and hypnotic, holding the audience spellbound.
Etymology
the word hypnotic originates from the greek 'hypnos', the god and personification of sleep. it entered english in the early 17th century via french and latin, initially describing substances that induce sleep. the modern sense, relating to the artificially induced trance state of hypnosis, developed in the 19th century following the work of james braid, who coined the term 'hypnotism' from the same greek root. thus, the term's logic connects the ancient concept of sleep to the modern, more specific state of focused attention and suggestibility.
Analysis
hypno is derived from greek 'hypnos', meaning sleep. tic is an adjective-forming suffix of greek origin, via latin and french, indicating a relationship or pertaining to.