enthrall

American  

[en-thrawl] / ɛnˈθrɔl /

Also inthrall.

verb (used with object)

1. to captivate or charm.

   a performer whose grace, skill, and virtuosity enthrall her audiences.

   Synonyms:

   enrapture, transport, entrance, enchant, spellbind

2. to put or hold in slavery; subjugate.

   to be enthralled by illusions and superstitions.

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Other Word Forms

• enthraller
  noun
• enthrallingly
  adverb
• enthrallment
  noun

Etymology

Origin of enthrall

First recorded in 1570–80; en- ¹ + thrall

Explanation

When something is so fascinating that it holds all your attention, it is said to enthrall — whether it's a thrilling action-adventure film, a breathtaking work of art, or even the person you have a crush on. If you’ve even fallen under someone’s spell, it won’t surprise you to learn that when enthrall first entered the English language it carried the meaning of “to hold in mental or moral bondage” or “to enslave.” Nowadays the verb enthrall is used to describe something so wonderful and captivating that the person experiencing it feels like a slave. If you enthrall someone, you make them powerless — in a sense, a slave to your charms.

Example Sentences

After when winter maketh sharp the air, Warm leaves, and leisure, sports, and gallant cheer Enthrall low minds.

From The Sonnets, Triumphs, and Other Poems of Petrarch by Campbell, Thomas

Related Words

• beguile
• bewitch
• enchant
• enrapture
• fascinate
• hypnotize
• intrigue
• mesmerize
• preoccupy
• rivet
• subdue