spellbind

verb

spell·​bind ˈspel-ˌbīnd 

spellbound ˈspel-ˌbau̇nd  ; spellbinding

transitive verb

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

Synonyms

• arrest
• bedazzle
• catch up
• enchant
• enthrall
• enthral
• fascinate
• grip
• hypnotize
• mesmerize

Examples of spellbind in a Sentence

the tale about pirates and their buried treasure had completely spellbound the children

Recent Examples on the Web

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

The album kicks off with distorted yet beautiful, spellbinding singing, setting the stage for what is to come. —Lisa Kocay, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

By harnessing the passion behind the author’s words, Netflix’s Solitude creates a spellbinding effect of its own. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024

Blaschke’s camerawork is spellbinding — fluid, graceful and maleficent in its command of chiaroscuro lighting, threatening shadows and the dense soup of darkness. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from spellbound

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

spellbind

verb

spell·​bind ˈspel-ˌbīnd 

spellbound -ˌbau̇nd  ; spellbinding

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