Enthrall: meaning, definitions and examples

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enthrall

 

[ɪnˈθrɔːl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

captivate

To capture the fascinated attention of; to charm, captivate, or enchant.

Synonyms

captivate, charm, enchant, fascinate, mesmerize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enthrall

Use 'enthrall' when something captures and holds someone's full attention in a powerful way.

  • The magician's performance was so amazing that it enthralled the entire audience
  • The captivating book held me enthralled from the first page to the last
captivate

Use 'captivate' when something attracts or holds someone's interest or attention strongly.

  • The singer's beautiful voice captivated everyone at the concert
  • Her storytelling ability captivated the children during the bedtime story
charm

Use 'charm' when someone's personality or mannerisms are pleasing and make others like them.

  • His genuine smile and kind words charmed everyone at the party
  • The small town charms visitors with its quaint shops and friendly residents
enchant

Use 'enchant' when something delights or attracts someone as if by magic.

  • The fairy tale enchanted children with its magical creatures and adventures
  • The beautiful garden enchanted visitors with its colorful flowers and peaceful ambiance
fascinate

Use 'fascinate' when something arouses strong interest or curiosity in someone.

  • The scientist's lecture about black holes fascinated the students
  • Her collection of rare stamps fascinated everyone who saw it
mesmerize

Use 'mesmerize' when something so completely engrosses someone that they are transfixed or hypnotized by it.

  • The dancer's graceful movements mesmerized the audience
  • He was mesmerized by the intricate patterns in the sand created by the wind

Examples of usage

  • She was so enhtalled by the magician's performance that she couldn't look away.
  • The book enhtalled readers with its gripping plot and vivid characters.
  • The beauty of the artwork enhtalled all who beheld it.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Originates from the Middle English word 'enthrallen', meaning to enslave or hold fast.
  • Combines 'en-' (to cause) and 'thrall', an Old English term for a servant or slave, indicating a strong hold over someone.
  • The term evolved from a sense of being captivated to its current meaning, indicating a more positive connotation.

Psychology

  • Captivating experiences activate the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine, which is linked to feelings of pleasure.
  • Engagement in a captivating activity can improve focus, learning, and memory retention as the brain prioritizes that experience.
  • People are often more enthralled when stories evoke strong emotions, illustrating the connection between emotion and attention.

Literature

  • Many authors aim to enthrall readers with vivid imagery and compelling narratives, creating immersive worlds.
  • Literary heroes and villains often enthrall audiences through their complex motivations and actions, making them memorable.
  • Classic tales, like those of Shakespeare, use powerful language and drama to enthrall audiences through the ages.

Pop Culture

  • Movies that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, like thrillers or fantasy adventures, are often said to enthrall their audiences.
  • Famous magicians and illusionists use captivating performances to enthrall their spectators, creating a sense of wonder.
  • Popular music can enthrall listeners, drawing them into the emotion of the song and making them want to sing along.

Translations

Translations of the word "enthrall" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encantar

🇮🇳 मोहित करना

🇩🇪 begeistern

🇮🇩 memikat

🇺🇦 зачарувати

🇵🇱 oczarować

🇯🇵 魅了する (miryou suru)

🇫🇷 enchanter

🇪🇸 cautivar

🇹🇷 büyülemek

🇰🇷 매혹하다 (maehokhada)

🇸🇦 يأسر (yasir)

🇨🇿 uchvátit

🇸🇰 uchvátiť

🇨🇳 迷住 (mízhù)

🇸🇮 očarati

🇮🇸 heilla

🇰🇿 сүйсіндіру

🇬🇪 მოხიბლვა (mokhiblva)

🇦🇿 cəzb etmək

🇲🇽 cautivar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,426, 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.