Thralled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thralled

[ฮธrษ”หld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

captivated interest

The term 'thralled' refers to being captivated or entranced, often to the point of being unable to think or act independently. It conveys a sense of being under someone's spell or in a state of deep fascination. This state can result from various influences such as art, music, or a charismatic speaker. When someone is thralled, they are usually completely absorbed in what is happening around them.

Synonyms

captivated, enthralled, entranced, fascinated.

Examples of usage

  • She was thralled by the breathtaking performance.
  • The audience sat thralled through the entire lecture.
  • He found himself thralled by the enchanting landscape.
  • The children were thralled by the storyteller's vivid tales.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In literature, characters can often be 'thralled' by love, enchantment, or even fear, portraying deep emotional bonds.
  • Modern movies frequently depict villains using spells or charms to enthrall their victims, showcasing the control theme.
  • Musical performances can leave audiences 'thralled', captivated by the talent and passion of the artists.

Psychology

  • Being 'thralled' aligns with the psychological concept of flow, where individuals become deeply engaged in an activity.
  • Certain activities, like watching a thrilling movie or reading a suspenseful book, can trigger a sense of being thralled.
  • Emotional connections, such as those formed in relationships, can lead people to feel thralled by each other.

Literature

  • Shakespeare often used themes of enchantment, suggesting characters can become 'thralled' by love or power.
  • In many classic fairy tales, characters are 'thralled' by magic or curses, compelling them to obey a higher force.
  • Contemporary authors explore the idea of being 'thralled' by technology, illustrating how devices captivate users' attention.

Origin of 'thralled'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Thralled' comes from the Old English word 'รพrวฝl', meaning 'slave' or 'bondman', indicating a strong hold over someone.
  • The word evolved over time to signify being under the influence or control of something or someone.
  • As language evolved, the meaning broadened to include a sense of being enraptured or spellbound.

The word 'thralled' originates from the Old Norse word 'รพralla,' meaning 'to be in bondage' or 'to be enslaved.' Over the centuries, it has come to represent a metaphorical form of bondage, where someone is entrapped by the allure or charm of something. In earlier uses, it described someone whose will was bound by an external force or influence, similar to being a thrall or servant. The evolution of its meaning reflects changes in the English language and how we describe feelings of deep engagement and fascination. In contemporary usage, it retains the idea of being so drawn into an experience that one becomes oblivious to everything else around them.