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

Thanks to gorgeous graphics, spellbinding battle scenes and a hefty dose of symbolism, Chinese cinemagoers have streamed through the turnstiles in their millions to watch it. —Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025

McPherson preached aboard the ship, and its passengers, spellbound by her blossoming charisma and moved by her plight, gathered just enough funds to buy the young widow and her baby train tickets to New York City, where Minnie would meet them in the fall of 1910. —Casey Cep, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025

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

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from spellbound

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spellbind

• aligned
• alined
• assigned
• behind
• combined
• confined
• consigned
• declined
• defined
• designed
• divined
• enshrined

Kids Definition

spellbind

verb

spell·​bind ˈspel-ˌbīnd 

spellbound -ˌbau̇nd  ; spellbinding

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