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

• allure
• animal magnetism
• appeal
• attractiveness
• captivation
• charm
• duende
• enchantment
• fascination
• force field
• glamour
• glamor
• magic
• magnetism
• oomph
• pizzazz
• pizazz
• seductiveness
• witchery

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

His myopia was at least as deleterious to the liberation of the unconscious mind as his charisma were beneficial. —Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Additionally, his performance in the TGL has been notable, with fans impressed by his charisma and aura despite his worst putt at Sofi Centre, when Woods hilariously misjudged the yardage by mistake. —Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025

Over the next decade his signature kung-fu comedy style blending bold stunts and easy-going charisma became a reliable box-office draw for Hong Kong’s now legendary Golden Harvest studio. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025

Struck by Uwais' charisma and camera presence, Evans cast him in his first movie, 2009's Merantau. —Mike Miller, EW.com, 26 Apr. 2025

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