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The history of enthrall appeals far less than the word as we use it today might suggest. In Middle English, enthrallen meant “to deprive of privileges; to put in bondage.” Thrall then, as now, referred to bondage or slavery. An early figurative use of enthrall appeared in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream: “So is mine eye enthralled to thy shape.” But we rarely use even this sense of mental or moral control anymore. More often, the word simply suggests a state of being generally captivated or delighted by some particular thing. Enthrall is commonly found in its past participle form enthralled, which can mean “spellbound,” as in “we listened, enthralled, to the elder's oral history.”
Examples of enthrall in a Sentence
Nate Jones, Vulture, 1 May 2025
Arguably the most esteemed contemporary musician on the planet, McCartney stepped away from the stadiums that have been his playground for decades to enthrall a crowd of about 500 at the Bowery Ballroom Tuesday night.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025
The Spartans’ meteoric rise continues to enthrall and impress the gymnastics community.
—Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Her voice carries an enchanting charm, revealing its rich, multifaceted nuances, while her acting skills effortlessly enthrall audiences of all ages.
—Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enthrall
Cite this Entry
“Enthrall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enthrall. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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