enchant

verb

en·​chant in-ˈchant 

en-

enchanted; enchanting; enchants

transitive verb

1

: to influence by or as if by charms and incantation : bewitch

2

: to attract and move deeply : rouse to ecstatic admiration

the scene enchanted her to the point of tears

—Elinor Wylie

Synonyms

• allure
• beguile
• bewitch
• captivate
• charm
• fascinate
• kill
• magnetize
• wile
• witch [archaic]

Choose the Right Synonym for enchant

attract, allure, charm, captivate, fascinate, enchant mean to draw another by exerting a powerful influence.

attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response

charmed by their hospitality

, but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration.

her performances captivated audiences

fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject.

hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

Examples of enchant in a Sentence

The book has enchanted children for almost a century.

The beauty of the place enchants.

Recent Examples on the Web

These thrilling family trips run the gamut from Arctic expeditions led by expert guides to sojourns that trace storybook towns and enchanting castles along Europe’s legendary rivers. —Kerry Spencer, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Dec. 2024

Of course, there’s plenty of cheer for the rest of the month, too, thanks to Skylands Stadium Christmas Light Show & Village, a hub of holiday magic with enchanting attractions for all ages. —Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2024

Find it on Amazon Globe Christmas Lights To Create A Magical Atmosphere Bring festive cheer to your home with these enchanting Globe Christmas Lights. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024

The song radiates good energy and the late Mayfield’s vocals have enchanted so many in the past half-decade since its release. —Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enchanter, from Latin incantare, from in- + cantare to sing — more at chant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

enchant

verb

en·​chant in-ˈchant 

1

: to influence by charms and magic : bewitch

2

: thrill entry 1 sense 1, fascinate