US /ˈmæɡnəˌtaɪz/ UK /ˈmæɡnɪtaɪz/
verb Freq #94439

Meanings

  1. 1
    verb

    to give a material the properties of a magnet, or to become magnetic

    An electric field can magnetize the steel without visibly changing it.

  2. 2
    verb

    to attract, fascinate, or hold someone's attention powerfully

    The speaker magnetized the audience with a vivid opening story.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 verb · to give a material the... make magneticpolarize
2 verb · to attract, fascinate, or... captivatemesmerizefascinate
Opposites
demagnetizerepelbore
Word family
Forms magnetized
Derived forms magnetizedmagnetizationmagnetizermagnetizable
Related forms magnetmagneticmesmerize

Etymology

Formed from magnet + -ize. The literal sense means inducing magnetism; the figurative sense extends the invisible attraction of a magnet to compelling personal attention.

Topics

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