beguile
verb
Vernon Louis Parrington 
Did you know?
A number of English words have traveled a rather curious path from meanings related to deception or trickery to something less unwelcome. A prime example is beguile, which first appeared in English around the 13th century with the meaning “to lead or draw by deception.” For the next several centuries, most of the senses of the verb had to do, in one manner or another, with deceiving. Around the time of Shakespeare, however, a more appealing sense charmed its way into the English language and hasn’t left since: “to attract or interest someone,” or in other words, “to charm.” Nowadays, you’re just as likely to hear beguile applied to someone who woos an audience with charisma, as to a wily trickster who hoodwinks others to get their way.
Examples of beguile in a Sentence
Rory Doherty, Time, 27 June 2025
Maria, a Wimbledon semifinalist in 2022 who has not made it past the second round of any other Grand Slam, beguiled an in-form Amanda Anisimova in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.
—Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 16 June 2025
With its quaint, colonial-era architecture, first-class restaurants of all kinds, and a burgeoning arts and culture scene, San Miguel de Allende promises to beguile travelers with its easygoing charm at every turn.
—Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
Douglas is beguiling enough with her humorous, spunky performance, and MacCormac capably keeps up with her.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for beguile
Cite this Entry
“Beguile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beguile. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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beguile
verb
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