Mesmerize
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3
Total Enchantment
Use 'mesmerize' when something fully captures all of your attention, usually in a delightful way. The dancer's graceful movements mesmerized the audience.
Pro Tip 2/3
Not Just Visual
'Mesmerize' can refer to any experience, not just what you see, that deeply fascinates you. Her voice mesmerized me; I forgot everything else.
Pro Tip 3/3
Unconscious Influence
Sometimes 'mesmerize' implies that you're so absorbed, you're not conscious of anything else. The children were mesmerized by the puppet show and didn't even hear the phone ring.