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Enthral: meaning, definitions and examples

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enthral

 

[ ɪnˈθrɔːl ]

Verb
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

Translations of the word "enthral" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encantar

🇮🇳 मोहित करना

🇩🇪 fesseln

🇮🇩 menarik

🇺🇦 зачаровувати

🇵🇱 zafascynować

🇯🇵 魅了する

🇫🇷 envoûter

🇪🇸 encantar

🇹🇷 büyülemek

🇰🇷 매료시키다

🇸🇦 سحر

🇨🇿 okouzlit

🇸🇰 okúzliť

🇨🇳 迷住

🇸🇮 očarati

🇮🇸 heilla

🇰🇿 сиқырлау

🇬🇪 მოგებას

🇦🇿 cazibədar etmək

🇲🇽 encantar

Etymology

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.