Beguiled: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

beguiled

 

[ bɪˈɡaɪld ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

charmed, deceived

To beguile someone means to charm or enchant them in a deceptive way, often leading them to believe something that isn't true. This word carries connotations of trickery and seduction, as the person who is beguiled may be led into a false sense of security or unreal expectations. It's commonly used in literature and storytelling to describe a character's magnetic and enchanting qualities that draw others in. Beguilement can be both positive in attracting attention or negative when used to manipulate someone's feelings or perceptions.

Synonyms

charm, delude, enchant, seduce.

Examples of usage

  • She beguiled him with her charm.
  • The magician beguiled the audience with his tricks.
  • His sweet words beguiled the unsuspecting woman.

Translations

Translations of the word "beguiled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encantado

🇮🇳 मोहित

🇩🇪 verzaubert

🇮🇩 terpesona

🇺🇦 зачарований

🇵🇱 urzeczony

🇯🇵 魅了された

🇫🇷 envoûté

🇪🇸 encantado

🇹🇷 büyülenmiş

🇰🇷 매료된

🇸🇦 مفتون

🇨🇿 okouzlený

🇸🇰 okúzlený

🇨🇳 着迷的

🇸🇮 očaran

🇮🇸 heillaður

🇰🇿 сүйсінген

🇬🇪 მოცლილი

🇦🇿 heyran

🇲🇽 encantado

Etymology

The word 'beguile' comes from the Middle English term 'beguilen', which means to deceive or lead astray. This Middle English word itself is derived from the Old French 'guile', meaning to deceive, which has roots tracing back to the Germanic word 'wigan' that implies movement or to make a motion. Over centuries, the modern usage has evolved, extending beyond just deception to include a sense of charm or enchantment. The transition from simply deceiving to having a captivating effect reflects a shift in how the term has been culturally understood in various contexts, especially in literature and poetry, where it often describes characters who possess an irresistible allure.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,425, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.