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.
Matching the huge magnitude of the show were spellbinding looks styled by Joseph Cassell Falconer. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2024 Palace’s run of seven games unbeaten at the end of the 2023-23 season under Glasner was special, borderline unbelievable, maybe even spellbinding, possibly magical. Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 For the purity of an enthralling contest which swung both ways and led you with it, the 3-3 draw with Liverpool in early December was spellbinding. George Caulkin, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024 That’s quite the cliffhanger to close on, and quite the span of time for the series’ spellbinding atmosphere to lose its hold on the audience. Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near spellbind

Cite this Entry

“Spellbind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spellbind. Accessed 21 Feb. 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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