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

• 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

Russell Crowe plays Amorth, bringing his unique screen charisma in such a way that prevents the film from becoming too self-serious. —Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025

Even with a delay of about an hour, the crowd was thrilled by the charisma and easygoing nature typical of the young artist from Pernambuco. —Alexandre De Melo, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2025

Hesse’s life experiences would make for a fascinating movie, even without charisma, but the fact that the 90-year-old overflows with the joy of being alive and unending passion for cinema makes the director’s job a lot easier. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025

A lot of viewers found her the most captivating presence in Part 1 of the doc, with obvious screen charisma that established her as a leading lady after all these years — playing a character that Hollywood couldn’t have invented better, the manager-muse. —Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Oct. 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