variants or ensorcel
as in to possess
to cast a spell on a dense, dark forest that is the scene for many a tale in which some unsuspecting traveler is ensorcelled by a witch or wizard

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ensorcell With its slow turn toward inanity, the sketch also satirized the romantic tolls of war and the ease with which dissatisfied citizens can be ensorcelled by demagogues. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2019 Featuring a young girl casting a spell over the object of her affection, tarot cards and love potions come into play as the juvenile witch dresses up maturely to meet her ensorcelled date. Tamar Herman, Billboard, 12 Jan. 2018 The poems leapt off the page: ungoverned, astronomical, astrological, indigenous (but from where?), witty, ensorcelling, and brave. Lucie Brock-Broido, The New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensorcell
Verb
  • This role has traditionally been reserved for players with the greatest flair, possessing an ability to open up defences with their deftness of touch and eye for a pass.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The additional charges include robbery, theft, violation of the Uniform Firearms Act, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, conspiracy, obstruction of justice and possessing an instrument of crime.
    Doha Madani, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Women’s CrossCity Sneaker While famous for its athleisure apparel, Lululemon has quietly expanded into the realm of sneakers—and this lightweight pair strikes the perfect balance of stylish and comfortable for long days of sightseeing.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The mob of rioters grew more hostile and violent, advancing toward agents and began throwing rocks and other objects at agents, including one that struck Chief Greg Bovino in the head.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As a result, some believe that a loss on Saturday could spell the end of Freeze's three-year tenure at Auburn, which has not gone to plan thus far, putting together just a 14-18 record thus far with the Tigers.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The birds have survived in hordes in the deserts, but civilization nearly always spells their doom.
    Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Those wishes came true in September 2022, when the sorceress siblings reunited to enchant a new generation of Halloweeners in Disney+’s Hocus Pocus 2.
    Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Often simply referred to as Oaxaca (not to be confused with the surrounding state of the same name), the city enchants with its colorful festivals, artisanal markets, and striking architecture.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Victim-3 attempted to push Bazrouk away and cursed at him.
    Rachel Wolf , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Halloween 5 presents more supernatural elements than previous Halloween films, with Jamie having a telepathic connection to her murderous uncle, and Michael being cursed and controlled by a cult to kill his family members.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ensorcell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensorcell. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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