spellbind

verb

spell·​bind ˈspel-ˌbīnd How to pronounce spellbind (audio)
spellbound ˈspel-ˌbau̇nd How to pronounce spellbind (audio) ; spellbinding

transitive verb

: to bind or hold by or as if by a spell

Examples of spellbind in a Sentence

the tale about pirates and their buried treasure had completely spellbound the children
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Entrees are equally spellbinding and a bit overwhelming. Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 Before the show began, audience members stood for the Korean and U.S. national anthems, led by professional singers with spellbinding voices. Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2025 Their first-hand accounts — such as those from Jay Stratton, the former director of the government's Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force — are both spellbinding and disturbing. Johnny Dodd, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025 His low-voice tale was spellbinding, horrific, and heartbreaking. Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spellbind

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from spellbound

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spellbind was in 1808

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spellbind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spellbind. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

spellbind

verb
spell·​bind ˈspel-ˌbīnd How to pronounce spellbind (audio)
spellbound -ˌbau̇nd How to pronounce spellbind (audio) ; spellbinding
: to hold by or as if by a spell : fascinate
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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