spellbind

verb

spell·​bind ˈspel-ˌbīnd 

spellbound ˈspel-ˌbau̇nd  ; spellbinding

transitive verb

: to bind or hold by or as if by a spell

Synonyms of spellbind

• fascinate
• enchant

Examples of spellbind in a Sentence

the tale about pirates and their buried treasure had completely spellbound the children

Recent Examples on the Web

As many as 13,000 of the wily reptiles live in the swamp, adding a layer of spellbinding magic to the wetland. — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026

Thereby hangs Colloff’s spellbinding tale of a justice system derailed by biases. — Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026

The two Harpa shows were especially spellbinding, especially an ensemble performance of music from her recent album Where to From, bathed in otherworldly illumination by lighting designer Theresa Baumgartner. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 18 June 2026

Snow is the audience’s eyes into the world of Hunting Wives, starring as a married mother named Sophie O’Neil who embarks on a passionate love affair with spellbinding socialite Margo Banks (Malin Akerman). — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from spellbound

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spellbind

• aligned
• alined
• assigned
• behind
• combined
• confined
• consigned
• crosswind
• declined
• defined
• designed
• divined

Kids Definition

spellbind

verb

spell·​bind ˈspel-ˌbīnd 

spellbound -ˌbau̇nd  ; spellbinding

: to hold by or as if by a spell : fascinate