enamor

American  

[ih-nam-er] / ɪˈnæm ər /

especially British, enamour

verb (used with object)

1. to fill or inflame with love (usually used in the passive and followed by of or sometimeswith ).

   to be enamored of a certain lady; a brilliant woman with whom he became enamored.

2. to charm or captivate (usually used in the passive and followed by of , with , or sometimesby ).

   Synonyms:

   enrapture, enchant, bewitch, fascinate

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Other Word Forms

• enamoredness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of enamor

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English enamouren, from Old French enamourer; see en- ¹, amour

Explanation

When you are enamored by something or someone, you love it. It attracts you. You might say that you're enamored with your new car, or enamored of the new kid in school. Enamor is a strange verb––it doesn't mean anything on its own. One cannot just enamor––that means nothing. One cannot even enamor something––that also is a meaningless proposition. Rather, you're enamored by the thing that attracts you. The verb is almost always used in a passive construction.

Related Words

• bewitch
• enchant
• enrapture
• enthrall
• entice
• infatuate
• please