Mesmerism (noun)

1. The practice of inducing a trance-like state in a patient in order to treat various physical and mental conditions.
2. The theory that an invisible fluid or magnetic force can be used to influence the human body and mind.

Origin:

Named after the german physician franz anton mesmer (1734-1815) who developed the theory of animal magnetism, an early form of hypnotism.

Examples:

1. The patient was put into a trance through mesmerism.
2. Mesmerism was used to treat a variety of ailments in the 19th century.
3. Mesmerism is also known as hypnosis.
4. Mesmerism was a popular form of healing in the 18th and 19th centuries.
5. The mesmerism session was conducted by a trained therapist.