put in a trance

Meanings

1. 1phrasetransitive

   To cause someone to be in a sleeplike state in which they seem unaware of their surroundings, often by hypnosis.

   Grammar: Takes an object: put someone in a trance. The object usually comes after 'put'.

   Patterns

   • put someone in a trance
   • be put in a trance by someone

   The hypnotist put the volunteer in a trance within minutes.

   She was put in a trance by the rhythmic music and the therapist's calm voice.

   Some people claim they can put you in a trance just by staring into your eyes.

2. 2phrasetransitivefigurative

   To make someone unable to think or move normally because they are so amazed or attracted.

   Grammar: Often used in the passive: be put in a trance by something.

   Patterns

   • put someone in a trance
   • be put in a trance by something

   The beauty of the ballet put the audience in a trance.

   He was put in a trance by her smile and could not speak.

Common combinations

put someone in a trance

The magician put the whole audience in a trance.

be in a trance

After the hypnosis, she was still in a trance for a few minutes.

come out of a trance

He came out of the trance slowly, blinking at the bright light.

deep trance

The therapist guided him into a deep trance.

Synonyms and how they differ

hypnotize

This is the verb for the action; 'put in a trance' describes the result or state.

mesmerize

Often used for figurative trance-like fascination, not for clinical hypnosis.

Opposites

Word family

trance noun

A sleeplike state or a state of intense absorption.

trancelike adjective

Resembling a trance; often used for a dazed appearance.

Commonly confused: put in a trance or trance music?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “put in a trance”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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