charisma

cha·ris·ma

noun \kə-ˈriz-mə\

Definition of CHARISMA

1

: a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure (as a political leader)

2

: a special magnetic charm or appeal <the charisma of a popular actor>

Examples of CHARISMA

1. The candidate was lacking in charisma.
2. His success is largely due to his charisma.

Origin of CHARISMA

Greek, favor, gift, from charizesthai to favor, from charis grace; akin to Greek chairein to rejoice — more at yearn

First Known Use: 1930

Related to CHARISMA

Synonyms: allure, animal magnetism, appeal, attractiveness, captivation, charm, duende, enchantment, fascination, force field, glamour (also glamor), magic, magnetism, oomph, pizzazz (or pizazz), seductiveness, witchery

Antonyms: repulsion, repulsiveness

Related Words: allurement, attraction, call, lure, seduction; agreeableness, darlingness, delightfulness, desirability, desirableness, niceness, pleasantness, pleasingness, sweetness; sex appeal

Near Antonyms: disagreeableness, distastefulness, obnoxiousness, offensiveness, unpleasantness

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Rhymes with CHARISMA

melisma