bewitch
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to attract and fascinate; enchant
-
to cast a spell over
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
bewitchmentnoun
-
bewitchingnessnoun
-
bewitchernoun
-
bewitcherynoun
-
bewitchingadjective
-
bewitchinglyadverb
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has bewitchedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have bewitchedperfect
-
has been bewitchingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
have been bewitchingperfect progressive
-
is bewitchingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
am bewitchingprogressive 1st person singular
-
are bewitchingprogressive
-
bewitchingparticiple
-
bewitchessingular 3rd person
Past
-
had bewitchedperfect
-
were bewitchingprogressive plural
-
was bewitchingprogressive singular
-
bewitchedparticiple
-
had been bewitchingperfect progressive
-
bewitchedsimple
Future
Etymology
Origin of bewitch
First recorded in 1175–1225, bewitch is from the Middle English word biwicchen; see be-, witch
Explanation
To bewitch is to cast a spell on someone with witchcraft or to capture their attention in another way. You might bewitch someone with your beauty or with your potion. The choice is yours. The word witch is a big clue to what bewitching means. In a Halloween story, if a witch casts a spell over someone to control them, that's an example of bewitching. Bewitching happens in the real world when something captures your attention or attracts you. A fascinating storyteller bewitches you. When people fall in love, they bewitch one another.
Vocabulary lists containing bewitch
Born a Crime
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Flight of Icarus" by Sally Benson
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Merci Suárez Changes Gears
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Unlike Godard, he doesn’t try to bewitch you with theory.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025
The prosecution alleged that Phiri and Candunde were hired by a fugitive former MP to bewitch Hichilema.
From BBC • Sep. 15, 2025
While “I Put a Spell on You” is a fan-favorite, the super-creepy “Come Little Children,” sung by Parker’s Sarah to bewitch children for eating, is also a memorable performance.
From Washington Post • Sep. 30, 2022
Webster’s neighbors accused her of witchcraft in 1683, when she was around 60 years old, claiming she worked with the devil to bewitch local livestock.
From Salon • Oct. 24, 2019
“Have they found a new way to bewitch us?”
From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
