animal magnetism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1literary, informal, historical
Quick answer
What does “animal magnetism” mean?
A personal quality of strong sexual attraction or charisma that someone possesses naturally.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A personal quality of strong sexual attraction or charisma that someone possesses naturally.
A compelling charm or allure that draws others in, often with a primal or instinctive quality; historically, a discredited 18th-century theory of an invisible natural force (akin to mesmerism) believed to flow within living bodies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more likely to be used humorously or ironically in British English.
Connotations
Both varieties carry connotations of raw, instinctive attraction. Can be used sincerely or with a hint of mockery.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly higher in American English in pop psychology or dating advice contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “animal magnetism” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/possesses/exudes animal magnetism.The animal magnetism of [Person] is undeniable.He/she is a figure of great animal magnetism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “animal magnetism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He seemed to animal-magnetise the entire room with his presence. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- She animal-magnetized everyone at the party. (rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- He had an animal-magnetic quality about him. (rare, hyphenated)
American English
- His animal-magnetic appeal was obvious. (rare, hyphenated)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically to describe a CEO's compelling leadership style.
Academic
Used historically in studies of 18th-century science, mesmerism, and popular culture.
Everyday
Used to describe someone with intense, sexually attractive charisma, often humorously.
Technical
Not used in modern science. Purely a historical term in the history of medicine/pseudoscience.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “animal magnetism”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “animal magnetism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “animal magnetism”
- Using it to describe general likability without a strong sexual component.
- Confusing it with 'personal magnetism', which is broader and less sexual.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, but it often emphasizes instinctual, physical attraction over intellect or character, so it might be seen as reductive or slightly offensive depending on context.
Coined by Franz Mesmer in the 1770s to describe a supposed invisible natural force (fluid) responsible for health and hypnosis. The modern figurative sense developed later.
'Charisma' is broader and can include intellectual, spiritual, or inspirational appeal. 'Animal magnetism' is specifically about a powerful, often sexual, physical presence and allure.
Yes, it can be used for any gender, though historically it was more commonly applied to men.
A personal quality of strong sexual attraction or charisma that someone possesses naturally.
Animal magnetism is usually literary, informal, historical in register.
Animal magnetism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæn.ɪ.məl ˈmæɡ.nə.tɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæn.ə.məl ˈmæɡ.nəˌtɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's got the animal magnetism of a rock star.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a powerful, charismatic animal (like a lion) that naturally draws attention and respect—its 'magnetism' pulls others in.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEXUAL ATTRACTION IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (like magnetism).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'animal magnetism' be LEAST appropriate?