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

Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom 2024 saw witchy romance continue to enchant more and more readers, and Hot Hex Boyfriend was a particular standout amongst the supernatural titles. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Naturally, a highlight is getting to meet your favorite Disney characters and watch enchanting tales brought to life in the Disney Seas the Adventure stage show. —Kerry Spencer, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Dec. 2024

Those are common sentiments within Svalbard’s community — the extreme conditions, while enchanting, means people don’t stick around the area by accident. —Yahya Salem, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024

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

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