enchant
[en-chant, -chahnt]
- to subject to magical influence; bewitch: fairytales about witches who enchant handsome princes and beautiful maidens.
- to delight to a high degree: Her gaiety and wit have enchanted us all.
- to impart a magic quality or effect to.
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Origin of enchant
1325–75; Middle English < Anglo-French, Middle French enchanter < Latin incantāre to put a spell on; see incantation
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
gratifybewitchfascinateenthrallcaptivatepleasehypnotizebeguilecharmenticeenrapturewowenamorthrillentranceslayspellhexdrawsendExamples from the Web for enchant
Contemporary Examples
This book does more than enchant; it sharpens your appreciation for the events of your own life.
Historical Examples
Her singing especially seemed to enchant and fascinate the girl.
Weighed and WantingGeorge MacDonald
Yes, he said; everything that deceives may be said to enchant.
The RepublicPlato
He was surrounded by all that could enchant the eye and enrapture the imagination.
Real Life In London, Volumes I. and II.Pierce Egan
Oh, you will enchant us with the little instrument, will you not?
What the Moon Saw: and Other TalesHans Christian Andersen
There is not one who however he may enchant and strengthen, does not also disappoint us.
Education and the Higher LifeJ. L. Spalding
enchant
- to cast a spell on; bewitch
- to delight or captivate utterly; fascinate; charm
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Word Origin
C14: from Old French enchanter, from Latin incantāre to chant a spell, from cantāre to chant, from canere to sing
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for enchant
v.
late 14c., literal and figurative, from Old French enchanter "bewitch, charm, cast a spell" (12c.), from Latin incantare (see enchantment). Or perhaps a back-formation from enchantment. Related: Enchanting; enchantingly. Enchanted in weakened sense of "delighted" is from 1590s.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper