Spellbinding: meaning, definitions and examples

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spellbinding

 

[ ˈspɛlˌbaɪndɪŋ ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

exciting

Capturing and holding one's attention as if by a spell; fascinating or enchanting.

Synonyms

captivating, enchanting, enthralling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spellbinding

Used to describe something that completely captures attention or fascination in a magical or stunning way.

  • The magician's performance was spellbinding, leaving the audience in awe
captivating

Appropriate for describing something that attracts and holds interest or attention charmingly and irresistibly.

  • Her captivating smile made everyone in the room feel welcome
enchanting

Best used for something that delights by being lovely or beautiful, often seems magical or fairy-tale like.

  • The little village by the sea had an enchanting beauty that felt like a dream
enthralling

Ideal for describing something that holds one's attention completely and makes them feel deeply involved or absorbed.

  • The story was so enthralling that I couldn't put the book down until I finished it

Examples of usage

  • The magician's performance was truly spellbinding, leaving the audience in awe.
  • The author's spellbinding storytelling kept readers on the edge of their seats.
Context #2 | Verb

enchanting

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

Synonyms

enrapture, entrance, mesmerize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spellbinding

Used to describe something that captures your attention so completely that you are almost in a trance. This word is often used for stories, performances, or sights that are incredibly captivating.

  • The magician's performance was absolutely spellbinding.
  • She gave a spellbinding speech that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
entrance

Describing a state where someone is so focused and absorbed by something that they are completely unaware of their surroundings. Often used for experiences that provoke deep contemplation or fascination.

  • She was entranced by the beautiful painting.
  • The storyteller's words entranced the young boy.
mesmerize

Describes a situation where someone is so fascinated by something that they can't look away. It has a slightly hypnotic nuance and is often used in more conversational contexts.

  • The snake charmer’s act mesmerized the crowd.
  • The city's night lights mesmerized him.
enrapture

This word describes a state of being filled with delight and intense pleasure. It is more often used in literature or formal speech to convey deep emotional engagement.

  • The audience was enraptured by the orchestra’s performance.
  • He was enraptured by the beauty of the countryside.

Examples of usage

  • The hypnotist spellbinding the audience with his mesmerizing tricks.
  • The singer's voice had the power to spellbind the listeners.

Translations

Translations of the word "spellbinding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fascinante

🇮🇳 मोहक

🇩🇪 fesselnd

🇮🇩 memukau

🇺🇦 захопливий

🇵🇱 urzekający

🇯🇵 魅力的な

🇫🇷 fascinant

🇪🇸 fascinante

🇹🇷 büyüleyici

🇰🇷 매혹적인

🇸🇦 ساحر

🇨🇿 okouzlující

🇸🇰 očarujúci

🇨🇳 迷人的

🇸🇮 očarljiv

🇮🇸 heillandi

🇰🇿 тартымды

🇬🇪 მომხიბვლელი

🇦🇿 cəzbedici

🇲🇽 fascinante

Etymology

The term 'spellbinding' originated from the combination of 'spell' and 'binding', suggesting the act of binding someone with a spell or enchantment. The word has been used since the late 18th century to describe something captivating or enchanting, as if under a magical spell.