Definition of BEGUILED

Other Words from beguile

beguilement \ bi-ˈgī(-ə)l-mənt

, bē- \ noun

beguiler \ bi-ˈgī-lər

, bē- \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for beguile

deceive, mislead, delude, beguile mean to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness. deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness. tried to deceive me about the cost mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional. I was misled by the confusing sign delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth. we were deluded into thinking we were safe beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving. was beguiled by false promises

The Beguiling History of Beguile

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 in the sense “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, the word took on a new sense, “to charm.” In a similar vein, fun was first recorded at the end of the 17th century as a verb meaning “to hoax or trick (someone).” It wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century that it began to be used as an adjective indicating that something was enjoyable. Amuse likewise started its life as a verb meaning “to divert the attention of (as from the truth or one's real intent).”

Examples of beguile in a Sentence

She was cunning enough to beguile her classmates into doing the work for her. They were beguiled into thinking they'd heard the whole story. Almost everything in the quaint little town beguiles, from its architecture to its art to its people. He beguiled the audience with his smooth and seductive voice.

Recent Examples on the Web

Patel, who spends most of the movie scowling and looking anxious, has a simple, pure voice that perfectly captures the mix of naivete and virtuosity that beguiled the Beatles’ fans in the first place. — The Washington Post, The Mercury News, "Review: ‘Yesterday’ is a lovely dalliance, if thin and a bit long," 27 June 2019 Reuters/Radu Sigheti While the Out of Africa romance has long beguiled the western imagination, international millennial tastes are challenging that narrative, as are those of Africa’s own affluent urbanites. — Lee Middleton, Quartz Africa, "Luxury safaris are trying to reinvent by getting greener and curbing an “Out of Africa” culture," 14 June 2019 There is something wondrous, beguiling, almost magical about college basketball. — Wil Haygood, WSJ, "‘Adolph Rupp and the Rise of Kentucky Basketball’ Review: Hoop Dreams and Nightmares," 29 Mar. 2019 And vibrant shops and cafes, beguiling alleyways with plants cascading from iron balconies, and cloistered courtyards attest to the artists’ talents. — Michael J. Bailey, BostonGlobe.com, "In Milan, a low-tech saunter through a mecca of high fashion," 18 June 2019 Photo: Newark Museum The exhibition’s opening tableau is a decorative delight that catches how beguiling the animated surface of kimono silks must have been to Westerners in 1854. — Laura Jacobs, WSJ, "‘Kimono Refashioned: 1870s-Now!’ Review: Unfolding a Garment’s Long History," 16 Oct. 2018 Agnes Varda, the French New Wave pioneer who for decades beguiled, challenged and charmed moviegoers in films that inspired generations of filmmakers, has died. — Samuel Petrequin, The Seattle Times, "Agnes Varda, French New Wave pioneer, dies at 90," 29 Mar. 2019 Swanning around in a fluffy new ball gown in an effort to beguile Bill was not the worst offense in his playbook. — Amy Fine Collins, Town & Country, "What It Was Like Dressing Up For Bill Cunningham," 15 Aug. 2018 Gothic drama ensued from Rosalie Craig in Christopher Kane’s feathered sheath, and Coleman’s crested black-lace and tulle dress beguiled the room. — Vogue, "Claire Foy, Idris Elba, Anna Wintour, Sophie Okonedo, Ralph Fiennes, and the Cast of Hamilton Fete the 64th Evening Standard Theatre Awards," 19 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'beguile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.