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

Those fans of the Elite Squad action films from the 2000s and Netflix’s Narcos, the ones who were early advocates for Moura’s moody, matinee-idol charisma, have felt justified in seeing the actor get meatier parts in films like last year’s Civil War and a co-lead in Apple TV’s Dope Thief. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 Nov. 2025

Her season 21 journey on DWTS showcased not only her dance ability but also her resilience and charisma, earning her the Mirrorball Trophy. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

Yet Kunken gives the character a roguish charisma, in his tireless defense of American freedom, that Biniaz couldn’t help observing was arguably fictional. —Ben McGrath, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025

The selection of species for de-extinction appears to be biased by candidate animals’ charisma and capacity to fascinate humans. —Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 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

Kids Definition

charisma

noun

cha·​ris·​ma kə-ˈriz-mə 

: a special charm or public appeal