Enthrallment: meaning, definitions and examples

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enthrallment

[ɪnˈθrɔːlmənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

captivating feeling

The state of being completely captivated or fascinated by someone or something, often to the point of losing oneself in the experience. Enthrallment is a powerful emotional state that can leave a person feeling mesmerized and enchanted.

Synonyms

captivation, fascination, spellbinding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enthrallment	Use 'enthrallment' when referring to a state of being deeply absorbed or captivated by something, often in a formal or dramatic context. The novel held him in complete enthrallment from start to finish. Her enthrallment with the art exhibit was evident in her wide-eyed admiration.
captivation	Use 'captivation' to describe the feeling of being taken in or charmed by someone or something, usually in a positive and engaging context. The comedian's jokes led to the captivation of the entire audience. The captivation she felt upon seeing the sunset was indescribable.
fascination	Use 'fascination' when speaking about a strong, often intellectual or curious interest in something or someone. His fascination with ancient history led him to study archaeology. The scientist's fascination with how the brain works has led to many discoveries.
spellbinding	Use 'spellbinding' when describing something that is so interesting or exciting that it holds your complete attention, almost as if you are under a spell. The magician's performance was absolutely spellbinding. The children's book was so spellbinding that they couldn't put it down.

Examples of usage

She found herself in a state of en-thrall-ment when she watched the ballet performance.
His en-thrall-ment with the novel was so intense that he stayed up all night to finish it.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

control or possession

The act of gaining control or possession over someone or something, often through manipulation or coercion. Enthrallment in this sense can be seen as a negative or harmful form of influence.

Synonyms

domination, enslavement, subjugation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enthrallment	Used to describe a state of deep fascination or captivation, often in a positive or neutral context. He spoke about the book with such enthrallment that I had to read it myself. Her enthrallment with the performance was evident from her wide-eyed expression.
domination	Implies control or influence over others, often in a competitive or authoritative context. Can carry a negative connotation depending on usage. The company's domination of the market has made it difficult for smaller businesses to thrive. He enjoyed the sense of power and domination during the chess match.
subjugation	Used to describe the process of bringing someone or something under control, often by force. Can carry a negative connotation. The subjugation of the local population was achieved through a series of brutal campaigns. He resented the subjugation of his opinions in the workplace.
enslavement	Refers to the act of forcing someone to work and live under harsh conditions without freedom, carries a very negative and historical connotation. The history of enslavement is a painful and significant part of many cultures. They fought for years to free themselves from the enslavement they suffered.

Examples of usage

The cult leader used en-thrall-ment to maintain his followers' loyalty and obedience.
The en-thrall-ment of the company by a powerful corporation led to layoffs and restructuring.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'enthrall' comes from the Old English 'anþrald', meaning to hold in slavery or bondage, but it evolved to mean capturing someone's attention.
Its roots can also be traced back to the Middle English word 'enthrallen', showing how language changes over time.

Literature

In classic literature, authors often use enthrallment to describe characters captivated by enchanting stories or other characters.
Shakespeare frequently illustrated enthrallment through the use of language that mesmerized both his characters and audiences.

Psychology

Psychologically, enthrallment relates to a state of flow, where one is so engrossed in an activity that they lose track of time.
Studies show that feelings of enthrallment can enhance learning, as they engage emotional responses and increase memory retention.

Pop Culture

In movies and television, enthrallment is a common theme in romance and fantasy genres, showcasing how characters can be captivated by love or magic.
Social media platforms often create enthrallment through engaging visual content or storytelling, keeping viewers hooked.

Philosophy

Philosophers have debated the concept of enthrallment, discussing how it relates to agency and free will when one becomes enchanted or captivated.
The idea also raises questions about the nature of personal engagement and distraction in a world filled with stimuli.

Translations

Translations of the word "enthrallment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fascinação

🇮🇳 मोहित करना

🇩🇪 Faszination

🇮🇩 pesona

🇺🇦 захоплення

🇵🇱 fascynacja

🇯🇵 魅了

🇫🇷 fascination

🇪🇸 fascinación

🇹🇷 büyülenme

🇰🇷 매혹

🇸🇦 افتتان

🇨🇿 okouzlení

🇸🇰 očarenie

🇨🇳 迷住

🇸🇮 očaranost

🇮🇸 hrifning

🇰🇿 таңғалу

🇬🇪 მოხიბლვა

🇦🇿 heyranlıq

🇲🇽 fascinación

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,332, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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41329 razz
41330 tramper
41331 showier
41332 enthrallment
41333 winnower
41334 repressively
41335 readmitting
...