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Enchantment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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enchantment

[ɪnˈtʃɑːntmənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

magic

A feeling of great pleasure or delight, often with a sense of magic or mystery.

Synonyms

charm, magic, spell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enchantment

This word is often used to describe a magical effect that captivates or delights someone. It can also refer to the process of using magical powers to influence something or someone.

  • The beauty of the forest had an enchantment that made everyone feel at peace
  • The wizard used an enchantment to protect the castle
charm

Charm can refer to the quality of being attractive or pleasing. It can also mean a small object believed to have magical power or used to bring good fortune.

  • Her smile had a certain charm that made everyone feel welcome
  • He wore a lucky charm around his neck
spell

Spell is used to describe a set of words or actions intended to invoke magical effects, often believed to be capable of influencing events or people.

  • The witch cast a spell to turn the prince into a frog
  • She whispered a love spell to make him fall in love with her
magic

Magic is a broad term that refers to supernatural forces and abilities. It is often used to describe anything that seems otherworldly or unexplainable by science.

  • The magician performed a stunning show full of magic tricks
  • The book talks about a world where magic is real

Examples of usage

  • The enchantment of the forest filled her with a sense of wonder.
  • The old book held a certain enchantment that captivated all who read it.
Context #2 | Noun

fantasy literature

The act or process of casting a spell over someone or something.

Synonyms

bewitchment, spellbinding.

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Word Description / Examples
enchantment

Also typically used to describe a magical state or something that captures someone's fascination and delight, similar to the first entry.

  • The enchantment of the festival lit up the entire village
  • There was an enchantment in her voice that captivated everyone
bewitchment

Often used to describe a magical or spell-like influence, sometimes with a sense of being trapped or controlled. It can have a slightly negative connotation as it implies being under someone else's power.

  • He felt a strange bewitchment after meeting her, unable to focus on anything else
  • The town was under the bewitchment of an old curse
spellbinding

Usually used to describe something extremely interesting or captivating in an almost magical way.

  • The magician’s performance was absolutely spellbinding
  • The lecture was so spellbinding that nobody checked their phones

Examples of usage

  • The evil sorcerer used enchantment to control the minds of the villagers.
  • The princess fell under the enchantment of the wicked witch.
Context #3 | Noun

enjoyment

A feeling of being captivated or delighted by something.

Synonyms

delight, enjoyment, fascination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enchantment

Used to describe a magical feeling or experience, often in fantasy settings or when describing something extraordinarily captivating.

  • The forest was a place of enchantment, filled with mystical creatures and glowing lights
  • The children's eyes filled with enchantment as they watched the magician perform his tricks
fascination

Describes a powerful interest or attraction towards something, often indicating a deep and absorbing curiosity.

  • The scientist's fascination with the stars began at a young age
  • She spoke with fascination about her travels to distant lands
enjoyment

Refers to the state or process of taking pleasure in something, often used in a more general or neutral context.

  • Her enjoyment of the book was apparent as she couldn't put it down
  • The family's picnic was full of laughter and enjoyment
delight

Used to express great pleasure or joy, often in everyday settings or moments that bring happiness.

  • She found delight in the simplest things, like a sunny day or a cup of tea
  • His delight was evident when he received the birthday surprise

Examples of usage

  • The enchantment of the music transported the audience to another world.
  • She danced with enchantment on her face, lost in the music.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Fairy tales often feature enchantments, where characters undergo transformations or face magical trials.
  • In Shakespeare's works, such as 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', enchantment plays a crucial role in themes of love and chaos.
  • Many classic stories, like 'Beauty and the Beast', incorporate enchantment as a means to explore deeper messages about love and acceptance.

Cultural Influence

  • Enchantment is a common theme in various cultures, often linked to nature spirits and mythology.
  • In fantasy genres, enchantments are used to develop magical systems, like charms or spells, that define characters' fates.
  • The ‘enchanted forest’ motif appears in countless cultural tales, symbolizing mystery, adventure, and the supernatural.

Psychology

  • Feeling enchanted can release dopamine in the brain, leading to pleasure and a sense of euphoria.
  • Experiences of enchantment can enhance creativity and imagination, often inspiring artists and writers.
  • Enchantment relates to awe; engaging with art or nature can produce a sense of wonder, elevating mood and reducing stress.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books often depict enchantment as powerful, portraying it as either a gift or a curse.
  • Disney films, like 'Enchanted,' celebrate the whimsical nature of enchantment in modern storytelling.
  • The video game industry utilizes enchantments to create immersive experiences, where players can wield magic to enhance their journey.

Origin of 'enchantment'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'enchantare', meaning 'to sing' or 'to charm', suggesting a magical quality.
  • In Middle English, 'enchantment' hinted at the act of entrancing or putting someone under a spell.
  • The prefix 'en-' means 'to cause to be', while 'chant' relates to singing, highlighting the idea of invoking magic through words.

The word 'enchantment' originated in Middle English from the Old French word 'enchanter' which means 'to enchant'. The concept of enchantment has been present in various cultures throughout history, often associated with magic, mystery, and fantasy. Enchantment has been a common theme in folklore, fairy tales, and fantasy literature, captivating audiences with its sense of wonder and magic.

See also: disenchant, disenchantment, enchanted, enchanter, enchanting, enchantingly, enchantments, enchantress.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,603, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.