Phrase guide

make the passes

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To perform a hypnotic technique involving running the hands over the head and body of the subject.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • 1901, Henry Abbey, “Veera” in Phaëthon, with three other stories in verse and a prose contention, Kingston, NY: Styles & Kiersted, p. 62, Her story done, the maiden begg’d of me To set out for my kingdom, with the dawn. “Not yet,” said I, “not yet,” and then I made The passes with my hands and fix’d my will To sway her will, till, with a questioning glance, She fell into a calm, Mesmeric sleep.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.