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enchant

verb
en·​chant | \ in-ˈchant How to pronounce enchant (audio) , en-\
enchanted; enchanting; enchants

Definition of enchant

transitive verb

1 : to influence by or as if by charms and incantation : bewitch
2 : to attract and move deeply : rouse to ecstatic admiration the scene enchanted her to the point of tears— Elinor Wylie
Other Words from enchant Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about enchant

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Choose the Right Synonym for enchant

attract, allure, charm, captivate, fascinate, enchant mean to draw another by exerting a powerful influence. attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another. students attracted by the school's locale allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive. an alluring smile charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response charmed by their hospitality , but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration. her performances captivated audiences fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist. a story that continues to fascinate children enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject. hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

Examples of enchant in a Sentence

The book has enchanted children for almost a century. The beauty of the place enchants.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Winters are mild, with just enough snow to enchant adults and give the kids some days off from school. — Mona Charen, National Review, "Life in D.C.," 22 Aug. 2019 Its short, evocative essays are meant as informed rumination that would appeal to anyone, and the images—some of prehistoric cave paintings, others of contemporary paintings and photography—are enchanting. — Lila Maclellan, Quartz at Work, "Get to know the symbolism in your daily commute," 11 July 2019 Forget the so-so voices (except for the enchanting one belonging to Angela Cesena as the beggar woman/fairy godmother) and some rather clunky — but astounding — costumes (more on that later). — Joanne Engelhardt, The Mercury News, "Theater review: ‘Cinderella’ gets a make-over worth seeing," 25 July 2019 The 7-foot-6-inch center Tacko Fall became a sensation at the Las Vegas Summer League, enchanting fans with his size, his dunks and his demeanor. — Adam Himmelsbach, BostonGlobe.com, "Summer sensation Tacko Fall is all the rage, and Celtics say his development is a high priority," 17 July 2019 The show’s look is trademark PigPen, with resourceful, often enchanting imagery on Jason Sherwood’s soaring storybook set. — James Hebert, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: ‘The Tale of Despereaux’ a charming and inventive musical take on children’s fable at Old Globe," 15 July 2019 Siargao has been enchanting visitors for years because of its welcoming vibe and easy island lifestyle. — Marianna Cerini, Condé Nast Traveler, "A Guide to Siargao: The Philippines Island Voted the Best in the World," 5 July 2019 Meet enchanting musicians and storytellers steeped in Berber heritage, and try your hand at cooking up colorful local dishes. — National Geographic, "Morocco Family Journey: Ancient Souks to the Sahara," 17 June 2019 Fleeing her home was also her first time traveling outside of Honduras, and she was enchanted by the landscapes of Guatemala and Mexico. — Alice Driver, Longreads, "Oh, Girl!," 20 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enchant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of enchant

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for enchant

Middle English, from Anglo-French enchanter, from Latin incantare, from in- + cantare to sing — more at chant

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More Definitions for enchant

enchant

verb
How to pronounce enchant (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of enchant

: to attract and hold the attention of (someone) by being interesting, pretty, etc.
: to put a magic spell on (someone or something)

See the full definition for enchant in the English Language Learners Dictionary

enchant

verb
en·​chant | \ in-ˈchant How to pronounce enchant (audio) \
enchanted; enchanting

Kids Definition of enchant

1 : to put under a spell by or as if by magic : bewitch … the Wicked Witch enchanted my axe …— L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz
2 : to please greatly : delight The story enchanted us.

Other Words from enchant

enchantment \ -​mÉ™nt \ noun

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More from Merriam-Webster on enchant

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with enchant

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for enchant

Spanish Central: Translation of enchant

Nglish: Translation of enchant for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of enchant for Arabic Speakers

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