enchant
Americanverb (used with object)
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enchants,
present (3rd person singular)
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enchanted,
past participle, past
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enchanting
present participle
verb
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to cast a spell on; bewitch
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to delight or captivate utterly; fascinate; charm
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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enchantsimple
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enchantssimple
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have enchantedperfect
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has enchantedperfect
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am enchantingprogressive
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are enchantingprogressive
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is enchantingprogressive
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have been enchantingperfect progressive
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has been enchantingperfect progressive
Past
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enchantedsimple
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had enchantedperfect
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was enchantingprogressive
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were enchantingprogressive
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had been enchantingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of enchant
1325–75; Middle English < Anglo-French, Middle French enchanter < Latin incantāre to put a spell on; see incantation
Explanation
To enchant is to cast a spell over someone, like a witch might do. It also means to attract or catch someone's attention in a less mystical way. Enchanting has a few meanings, but they all involve seduction. A witch or warlock enchants people they wish to influence through magic spells. A real person enchants in different ways: through jokes, good looks, and charisma. Not only people, but also engrossing songs or shows can be said "to enchant."
Vocabulary lists containing enchant
The Cricket in Times Square
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A Boy Called Bat
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
“I Hear a New World” is more speculative fantasy than crime fiction, yet it has enough criminous content to enchant mystery readers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026
Instead, throw yourself into the music, art and theater festivals that enchant the nation all summer long.
From Barron's ● Mar. 8, 2026
Round numbers always enchant humans, especially when they’re big round numbers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 6, 2026
Disney bought Pixar in 2006 for $7.4 billion, and with it, Pixar’s ability to enchant audiences with pixels.
From Reuters ● Oct. 28, 2023
Those who own a Hippogriff, for example, are bound by law to enchant the beast with a Disillusionment Charm to distort the vision of any Muggle who may see it.
From "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J.K. Rowling
Mr. Coyne excels at chronicling the many different ways golf enchants its aficionados.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026
Friends of the Lake District's land manager, Jan Darrall, said the thought of a rainforest in Cumbria "enchants and inspires people".
From BBC ● Apr. 18, 2026
As an image of transformational loss ushering in new forms of beauty, the pair enchants.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2023
The Venice Film Festival is the kind of place that enchants whether you’re a first-timer or an industry veteran.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 27, 2022
A collaboration of qualities that enchants me even now.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
The original 1998 film hardly enchanted critics upon its debut, but went on to conjure a cult following that had kept hopes of a sequel alive ever since.
From Barron's ● Sep. 13, 2026
“An enchanted hideaway in a coveted location with inviting outdoor retreats and peek a boo views to Downtown Los Angeles create an idyllic setting,” the listing added.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 29, 2026
Theron plays the nymph Calypso, who keeps Odysseus enchanted on her island for seven years.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026
But the book has enchanted readers since 1854.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 26, 2026
He was like a traveler in an enchanted wood.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
The overlooked museum, however, has been refreshed with an enchanting new exhibition.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 16, 2026
Charlize Theron is appropriately enchanting as Calypso, whose charms waylay and confuse Odysseus.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026
The well-travelled Norwegians, who have captured the hearts and imaginations of many World Cup watchers with their enchanting celebration, were led by Haaland post-match on Sunday.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
It’s an enchanting companion to a bewitching exhibition.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
They contained instruments, small, but of perfect make and enchanting tones.
From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
