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

By the time Saturday’s competition was completed, by the time Johnson vanquished San Antonio Spurs rookie forward Carter Bryant in the championship round, the charisma of the Bay Area product had enveloped the Los Angeles Clippers’ arena to the degree that he was being embraced as one of their own. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026

Bell and Turner expertly convey the charisma of Jack and Ed while also revealing that there’s something a little unsavory about them both. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026

The season 45 champion is a true triple threat — with athleticism, charm, and charisma wrapped inside the skin of a cold-blooded assassin. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Feb. 2026

Each of those requires a different audience, a different skill set, a different version of the same charisma. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2026

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