enchant

verb

en·​chant in-ˈchant 

en-

enchanted; enchanting; enchants

transitive verb

1

: to influence by or as if by charms and incantation : bewitch

2

: to attract and move deeply : rouse to ecstatic admiration

the scene enchanted her to the point of tears

—Elinor Wylie

Synonyms

• allure
• beguile
• bewitch
• captivate
• charm
• fascinate
• kill
• magnetize
• wile
• witch [archaic]

Choose the Right Synonym for enchant

attract, allure, charm, captivate, fascinate, enchant mean to draw another by exerting a powerful influence.

attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response

charmed by their hospitality

, but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration.

her performances captivated audiences

fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject.

hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

Examples of enchant in a Sentence

The book has enchanted children for almost a century.

The beauty of the place enchants.

Recent Examples on the Web

Read Next California Mansion for sale in California was once enchanted by Glinda the Good Witch. —Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2024

As a kid, I was enchanted by the idea of a computer that could type for you. —Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2024

The Big Rock Trail is singular and enchanting in its shifting topography and foliage overlooking the vast landscapes of grass that surround it. —Jim Holden, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024

Join us for a journey through time filled with laughter, great music and moments that will enchant us long after the final curtain call. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 23 Feb. 2024

With its tantalizing cuisine, unrivaled tequila selection, and enchanting atmosphere, Meximodo invites foodies to embark on a culinary adventure like no other. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024

Admire the hardwood flooring, open spaces, views of San Francisco and exhilarating style with walls of glass that open to over 1,000 square feet of decking with barbecue hookups and enchanting views. —Bang Advertising Staff and Correspondents, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024

Any art season is bright that brings a consideration of her career, and this spring does, in two enchanting concurrent shows. —Holland Cotter, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024

Far from camera shy, Harlow knew how to move, how to enchant. —Angelica Aboulhosn, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enchanter, from Latin incantare, from in- + cantare to sing — more at chant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

enchant

verb

en·​chant in-ˈchant 

1

: to influence by charms and magic : bewitch

2

: thrill entry 1 sense 1, fascinate