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

• allure
• animal magnetism
• appeal
• attractiveness
• captivation
• charm
• duende
• enchantment
• fascination
• force field
• glamour
• glamor
• magic
• magnetism
• oomph
• pizzazz
• pizazz
• seductiveness
• witchery

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

Observers have attributed the mass popularization of foreign policy to Modi’s charisma and the BJP’s political strategy. —Rohan Mukherjee, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2024

But Díaz-Canel lacks the charisma of the late Fidel Castro, and his effort to spin a positive narrative on the recent protests exposes the limits of an old-fashioned propaganda system in the era of social media. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2024

Joseph draws the audience in with his outstanding musicianship, stage presence, and charisma. —Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024

In front of a camera, Keaton has always been easy to follow into whatever high-concept or realistic milieu needs his steady, authentic charisma. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024

O’Brian, meanwhile, turns in a star-making performance, packed with undeniable charisma that outshines even her impressive physique, in her first major dramatic role. —Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2024

He’s got the charisma and skill to rally a team and a fanbase! —Daniel Kohn, SPIN, 27 Mar. 2024

Their harmonies mesh well, with Davis’ pristine country vocal a solid foil for Wilson’s sky-reaching, vocal charisma. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 25 Mar. 2024

What the huckster cannot teach, however, is how to acquire a certain bulldozing charisma—a glossy armor of charm and entitlement, trailing a faint spritz of sociopathy, so relentless and inevitable that its possessor can only seem lightly amused by it. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2024

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