Spellbind: meaning, definitions and examples

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spellbind

 

[ ˈspɛlˌbaɪnd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

captivate

To hold the attention of (someone) as though by magic; fascinate.

Synonyms

captivate, enchant, entrance, mesmerize.

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Word Description / Examples
spellbind

Used when something or someone holds your attention completely and almost magically, often in performances or storytelling.

  • The magician's performance was so astonishing that it managed to spellbind the entire audience.
  • Her storytelling was so vivid and compelling, it spellbinds everyone who listens.
captivate

Used when something or someone attracts and holds your interest or attention because it is very appealing or charming.

  • The singer's voice captivated the audience from the very first note.
  • The story's interesting plot and vibrant characters captivated the readers.
enchant

Used when someone or something delights you and makes you feel magical, often associated with charm and beauty.

  • The beautiful garden seemed to enchant every visitor.
  • Her graceful dance performance enchanted everyone in the theater.
entrance

Used when something holds your entire attention and makes you feel lost in its beauty or wonder, often describing a dream-like state.

  • The stunning sunset seemed to entrance everyone watching.
  • The hypnotic rhythm of the music entrance the listeners into a state of calm.
mesmerize

Used when something or someone completely grabs your attention in a hypnotic way, often suggesting a trance-like fascination.

  • The dancer's graceful movements seemed to mesmerize the audience.
  • The intricate patterns in the artwork mesmerize anyone who looks at it.

Examples of usage

  • She was spellbound by his stories.
  • The magician spellbound the audience with his tricks.

Translations

Translations of the word "spellbind" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encantar

🇮🇳 मोहित करना

🇩🇪 verzaubern

🇮🇩 memikat

🇺🇦 зачаровувати

🇵🇱 oczarować

🇯🇵 魅了する (miryō suru)

🇫🇷 envoûter

🇪🇸 hechizar

🇹🇷 büyülemek

🇰🇷 매혹하다 (maehokhada)

🇸🇦 يسحر (yusaḥir)

🇨🇿 očarovat

🇸🇰 očariť

🇨🇳 迷住 (mízhù)

🇸🇮 očarati

🇮🇸 heilla

🇰🇿 сүйсіндіру

🇬🇪 მოხიბვლა (mokhibvla)

🇦🇿 valehləmək

🇲🇽 hechizar

Etymology

The word 'spellbind' originated from the combination of 'spell' and 'bind', dating back to the early 19th century. The idea behind the word is to captivate or fascinate someone as if under a spell, hence the merging of the two words. The concept of being spellbound has been a part of folklore and storytelling for centuries, with the belief that certain words or actions could have a magical or hypnotic effect on others.

See also: spell, spellbook, spellbound, spelling.