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

The movie’s deadpan sensibility is balanced by Weiner’s and Gallagher’s good-guy magnetism and their sometimes-earnest interest in local politics. —The Editors, Curbed, 2 Dec. 2024

But until now, magnetism’s role in shaping our solar system’s protoplanetary disk has largely remained a conundrum. —Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024

That same day, Venus will debut in your sign, bringing a boost of charm and magnetism to your professional presence. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024

Google Says Its New Quantum Chip May Prove Parallel Universes Exist By Tom Howarth Science Reporter (Nature) 2 What's New For the first time, scientists have imaged an entirely new form of magnetism called altermagnetism. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

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