A trance is a mental state where someone seems disconnected from their immediate surroundings, often staring blankly or appearing lost in thought. When you're in a trance, you might not notice people talking to you or things happening around you because your mind is so focused elsewhere.

You've probably experienced a mild trance while daydreaming in class, staring out the window while your teacher's voice fades into the background. Or maybe you've watched a campfire's flames dancing and found yourself entranced, barely aware that ten minutes have passed. Video games can put players into a kind of trance where they lose track of time completely.

Hypnotists intentionally put people into trances using relaxation techniques and focused attention. In some cultures, religious ceremonies include trance states achieved through rhythmic drumming, chanting, or meditation. These deeper trances are different from everyday daydreaming because they're more intense and purposeful.

The word entrance (pronounced differently) means to put someone into a trance or to captivate them completely. A mesmerizing magic show might entrance an audience, holding everyone's attention so completely that they forget to blink.