magnetism

noun

mag·​ne·​tism ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm 

1

a

: a class of physical phenomena that include the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, are inseparably associated with moving electricity, are exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and are characterized by fields of force

b

: a science that deals with magnetic phenomena

2

: an ability to attract or charm

Synonyms

• allure
• animal magnetism
• appeal
• attractiveness
• captivation
• charisma
• charm
• duende
• enchantment
• fascination
• force field
• glamour
• glamor
• magic
• oomph
• pizzazz
• pizazz
• seductiveness
• witchery

Examples of magnetism in a Sentence

Much of his success as a politician can be attributed to his personal magnetism.

she managed to win the election by sheer magnetism

Recent Examples on the Web

Tour guide Devon Adrien of SDA Taxi says this cultural amalgamation is part of the island’s magnetism. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2024

Blunt and Gosling have splendid chemistry — the kind of onscreen magnetism shared by people who are not just insanely hot but also simply know how to look at each other. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 June 2024

Taurus April 20 – May 20 Your magnetism can bring you rewards today. —Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2024

Faraday showed that electricity and magnetism are two sides of the same coin: moving electrons creates a magnetic field, and moving a magnet induces electric current in a conductor. —Naomi Oreskes, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing magnetism

• animal magnetism

Kids Definition

magnetism

noun

mag·​ne·​tism ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm 

1

a

: the property of attracting certain metals or producing a magnetic field as shown by a magnet, a magnetized material, or a conductor carrying an electric current

b

: the science that deals with magnetic occurrences or conditions

2

: the power to attract or charm others

Medical Definition

magnetism

noun

mag·​ne·​tism ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm 

: a class of physical phenomena that include the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, are inseparably associated with moving electricity, are exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and are characterized by fields of force