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Enthral Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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enthral

[ɪnˈθrɔːl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

captivating others

To enthral means to capture someone's attention completely, to charm or fascinate them. It often implies a powerful hold over someone’s interest or emotions, making them deeply engaged or enchanted.

Synonyms

bewitch, captivate, charm, entrance, fascinate.

Examples of usage

  • The magician's performance did nothing but enthral the audience for hours.
  • Her storytelling ability can enthral even the most critical listeners.
  • The breathtaking scenery of the landscape seemed to enthral all who witnessed it.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many authors use enthralling narratives to pull readers into fantastical worlds, such as J.K. Rowling in Harry Potter.
  • Shakespeare often created enthralling characters whose complex emotions captivated audiences in plays like 'Hamlet.'
  • The word frequently appears in poetry to express the mesmerizing effect of beauty and love.

Pop Culture

  • 'Enthral' is often associated with magic shows and performances that leave audiences spellbound.
  • Certain films and series are termed 'enthralling,' suggesting that their plots or characters can deeply engage viewers for hours.
  • The Beatles’ music has often been described as enthralling due to its timeless appeal and ability to capture listeners’ imaginations.

Psychology

  • When something is enthralling, it can lead to a focused state of flow, where people lose track of time because they are so absorbed.
  • Engaging presentations often enthrall audiences, utilizing storytelling to enhance information retention.
  • Entertainment mediums that enthrall can trigger dopamine release, creating a sense of pleasure and reward in the brain.

Education

  • Teachers often aim to enthral students with engaging methods to enhance learning and curiosity.
  • Interactive lessons using games or stories can enthral young learners, allowing knowledge to be absorbed more effectively.
  • Successful speakers know how to enthral their audience through compelling storytelling and relatable content.

Origin of 'enthral'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'enthral' comes from the Old English 'thrāwan,' meaning to entangle or ensnare.
  • It gained its current meaning of captivating someone by the 19th century, evolving from earlier concepts of being enchanted.
  • Initially, it was spelled 'enthrall' and had connotations of servitude or bondage before its meaning shifted to fascination.

The word 'enthral' has its origins in the early 16th century, derived from the combination of 'in-' meaning 'within' and 'thrall,' which means to be in servitude or captivity. The root 'thrall' itself comes from Old Norse 'þræll,' meaning 'slave' or 'thrall.' This association implies that when someone is 'enthralled,' they are metaphorically captives of a powerful impression, emotion, or experience. The term evolved over time to reinforce the idea of being captivated by something intoxicating or enchanting, without the negative connotations of servitude. It highlights the compelling nature of the experience that one undergoes while being enthralled.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,500, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.