Enthralled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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enthralled

[ษชnหˆฮธrษ”หl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Captivated or fascinated by someone or something; filled with wonder or delight.

Synonyms

captivated, charmed, fascinated, mesmerized.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enthralled

This word is often used to describe a strong, almost spellbound interest or attention to someone or something. It implies a deeper and more intense feeling than just being entertained.

  • She was enthralled by the storyteller's captivating tales.
  • The audience sat enthralled by the performance.
captivated

Used when someone is deeply and pleasantly interested or attracted by something. It often implies a sense of charm or admiration.

  • He was captivated by her beauty and grace.
  • The book's vivid description of the scenery captivated me.
fascinated

Describes a strong interest or curiosity in something. It often suggests a desire to know more or be involved more deeply.

  • As a child, he was fascinated by dinosaurs.
  • I'm fascinated by their innovative approach to solving problems.
charmed

Usually describes a mild and pleasant form of attraction. It often implies a sense of being pleasantly surprised or delighted by someone's personality or something's niceness.

  • Everyone at the party was charmed by his quick wit.
  • She was charmed by the quaint little village.
mesmerized

Implies a more hypnotic, almost magical attraction or attention. It often suggests being so absorbed that one is unaware of surroundings.

  • The fans were mesmerized by the singer's powerful performance.
  • She was mesmerized by the flowing movements of the dancers.

Examples of usage

  • I was enthralled by the magician's performance.
  • She was enthralled by the beauty of the sunset.
  • The audience was enthralled by the singer's voice.
Context #2 | Verb

action

Capture the fascinated attention of.

Synonyms

captivate, charm, fascinate, mesmerize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enthralled

Used when someone is completely absorbed or fascinated by something, usually in a positive manner.

  • She was enthralled by the captivating storyline of the movie
  • The children were enthralled by the magician's performance
captivate

Employed to describe when someone captures the attention or affection of others in a strong emotional way.

  • The dancer's grace and beauty captivated the entire audience
  • His charismatic speech captivated the crowd
fascinate

Used to express a strong interest or curiosity about something, making it hard to look away or stop thinking about it.

  • The complexity of the human brain fascinates scientists
  • Young children are often fascinated by dinosaurs
charm

Most suitable for describing the act of attracting someone or something through appeal or seduction, often in a gentle and pleasing way.

  • Her winning smile charms everyone she meets
  • He was charmed by the quaint little village
mesmerize

Typically used to describe holding someoneโ€™s attention so completely that they are barely aware of anything else, often with a sense of enchantment.

  • The hypnotist's performance mesmerized the audience
  • She was mesmerized by the flickering flames of the campfire

Examples of usage

  • The book enthralled readers with its gripping storyline.
  • The movie enthralled audiences with its stunning visuals.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being enthralled often leads to a state of flow, where a person is fully immersed, resulting in heightened enjoyment and creativity.
  • The experience of being captivated is linked to dopamine release in the brain, enhancing feelings of pleasure.
  • Research shows that stories that enthrall us can improve empathy and understanding of others' perspectives.

Literature

  • Classic fairytales often leave readers enthralled, opening their imaginations to magical worlds.
  • Authors like J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien have mastered the art of storytelling that leaves readers utterly spellbound.
  • Poetry and lyrical writing often use emotional depth to enthrall audiences, transporting them into the writer's emotions.

Pop Culture

  • Blockbuster movies regularly enthrall audiences with vivid storytelling and thrilling action sequences.
  • Concerts can enthrall fans as they experience the electrifying atmosphere created by live music.
  • Reality shows often enthrall viewers with dramatic twists and personal stories that demand attention.

Art

  • Visual art, particularly pieces with strong themes or techniques, can enthrall viewers, inviting them to stare longer.
  • Interactive installations in modern galleries captivate visitors, making them part of the art experience.
  • Famous artworks like Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' have the power to enthrall onlookers, drawing them into swirling emotional landscapes.

Origin of 'enthralled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'enthrallen,' which means to enslave or bind.
  • It originally described being captivated by a magician or wizard, as if under a spell.
  • The prefix 'en-' means to cause something to be in a certain state, while 'thrall' refers to a slave or someone in bondage.

The word 'enthralled' originated from the Middle English word 'enthrallen', which means 'to hold in thrall'. The term 'thrall' refers to a person who is in bondage or servitude, and 'en-' is a prefix that intensifies the meaning. Over time, 'enthralled' evolved to describe a state of captivation or fascination. Today, it is commonly used to express being deeply absorbed or delighted by something or someone.


See also: enthralling, enthrallment.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,907, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.