Pronounced "mez-mur-ized," the adjective mesmerized describes being held in place by something - not physically - but by extreme interest in what you see or hear. Great movies keep you mesmerized or almost hypnotized with giant images and sounds. Being mesmerized almost feels like you are in a spell, as some people feel when looking at celebrity gossip and photos online.

Some dreams are so powerful they become real. (short story)