charisma

noun

cha·​ris·​ma kə-ˈriz-mə 

1

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

His success was largely due to his charisma.

2

: a special magnetic charm or appeal

the charisma of a popular actor

Did you know?

The Greek word charisma means "favor" or "gift." It comes from the verb charizesthai ("to favor"), which in turn comes from the noun charis, meaning "grace." In English, charisma was originally used in Christian contexts to refer to a gift or power bestowed upon an individual by the Holy Spirit for the good of the Church—a sense that is now very rare. These days, we use the word to refer to social, rather than divine, grace. For instance, a leader with charisma may easily gain popular support, and a job applicant with charisma may shine in an interview.

Synonyms of charisma

• charm
• appeal
• attractiveness
• fascination
• attraction
• glamour

Examples of charisma in a Sentence

The candidate was lacking in charisma.

His success is largely due to his charisma.

Recent Examples on the Web

Pulisic has never seemed overly comfortable in the role that was thrust upon him, and as his charisma-free walk-on in that Wells Fargo spot suggests, perhaps certain trappings of superstardom will never be a good fit for the AC Milan player. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026

But the man can still work a room like few of his peers on the strength of his charisma. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 July 2026

When Ahab first speaks to the crew about Moby Dick, his diabolical charisma soon infects the men who, apart from Starbuck, enthusiastically join him in his monomaniacal crusade. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026

The 1982 episode suffered from what all season 9 episodes lacked — the gravitas and anchoring charisma of Michael Landon and Karen Grassle, who both left after season 8. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

charisma

noun

cha·​ris·​ma kə-ˈriz-mə 

: a special charm or public appeal