enchant

[en-chant, -chahnt]

verb (used with object)

1. to subject to magical influence; bewitch.

   fairytales about witches who enchant handsome princes and beautiful maidens.

2. to delight to a high degree.

   Her gaiety and wit have enchanted us all.

   Synonyms: enrapture, captivate, attract, fascinate

3. to impart a magic quality or effect to.

enchant

/ ɪnˈtʃɑːnt /

verb

1. to cast a spell on; bewitch

2. to delight or captivate utterly; fascinate; charm

Other Word Forms

• unenchanted adjective
• enchanter noun
• enchantress noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enchant¹

1325–75; Middle English < Anglo-French, Middle French enchanter < Latin incantāre to put a spell on; incantation

Word History and Origins

Origin of enchant¹

C14: from Old French enchanter, from Latin incantāre to chant a spell, from cantāre to chant, from canere to sing

Example Sentences

She is less enamored of the experience—the period heels she’s forced to wear in particular—than the instantly enchanted Bert.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“This wall must be enchanted. We’d need something magical to get through.”

Read more on Literature

Ridge had been enchanted by all the toys at KB, but his eyes shined when he heard about the bookstore.

Read more on Literature

Rousseau’s make-believe world, beautifully abundant, unfolds like a series of enchanting though dramatic dioramas in the last gallery.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“If I’m enchanted by it I’m much more likely to spend.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beguile 
• bewitch 
• captivate 
• carry away 
• charm 
• enamor 
• enrapture 
• enthrall 
• entice 
• fascinate 
• gratify 
• hypnotize 
• please 
• thrill 
• wow