enchant

verb

en·​chant in-ˈchant How to pronounce enchant (audio)
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
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
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.
The sun was in Scorpio, presenting an enigmatic film that enchants others. Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025 Often simply referred to as Oaxaca (not to be confused with the surrounding state of the same name), the city enchants with its colorful festivals, artisanal markets, and striking architecture. Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025 Like millions of viewers, Rashad Raisani grew enchanted with Music City through watching the soapy nighttime drama Nashville, which captivated fans during its 2012-2018 run and led to a major tourism boom in Nashville and interest in country music. Melinda Newman, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025 The mass of greenery sets the stage as a fresh background for blooming plants or can enchant visitors on its own. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enchant

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of enchant was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enchant. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

enchant

verb
en·​chant in-ˈchant How to pronounce enchant (audio)
1
: to influence by charms and magic : bewitch
2

More from Merriam-Webster on enchant

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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