bewitch

[bih-wich]

verb (used with object)

1. to affect by witchcraft or magic; cast a spell over.

2. to enchant; charm; fascinate.

   The painter bewitched the crowd with his latest work.

   Synonyms: transport, enrapture, captivate

verb (used without object)

1. to cause someone to be enchanted; cast a spell over someone.

   She lost her power to bewitch.

bewitch

/ bɪˈwɪtʃ /

verb

1. to attract and fascinate; enchant

2. to cast a spell over

Other Word Forms

• bewitcher noun
• bewitchery noun
• bewitchingness noun
• bewitchment noun
• bewitching adjective
• bewitchingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bewitch¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, bewitch is from the Middle English word biwicchen; be-, witch

Word History and Origins

Origin of bewitch¹

C13 bewicchen ; see _be- , _witch

Example Sentences

Where “Arco” mesmerizes with its less-conventional animation style, “Little Amélie” employs swaths of eye-popping color, broad shapes and thoughtfully rendered two-dimensional art style and camera movements to bewitch slightly younger viewers.

Read more on Salon

Unlike Godard, he doesn’t try to bewitch you with theory.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Both women were accused of bewitching local children, found guilty and later executed.

Read more on BBC

The cutesy performance shtick around a shoestring variety show — imagine Pee-wee’s Playhouse without the bewitching oddity — grows wearying.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Yes, the bye week bewitched them in 2022 and 2023, when the offense lost its swagger and the Dodgers were beaten in two stunning division series upsets by the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beguile 
• captivate 
• dazzle 
• enchant 
• enrapture 
• enthrall 
• fascinate 
• hypnotize