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

The movie also has an ace in the hole with Glen Powell, one of the few contemporary alpha-charisma actors that feel built for stuff like this and believably might have been bred in a farm upstate that specializes in All-American movie stars with gajillion-watt grins. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025

But Powell has more easygoing charm than blinding charisma. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025

Yes, the natural charisma is there, but gone are the hammy flourishes and over-the-top gags. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025

Foster’s charisma and knack for goofy physical comedy were essential in pulling that off. —Maggie Fremont, Entertainment Weekly, 9 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