enchantment
Americannoun
-
the art, act, or an instance of enchanting.
- Synonyms:
- witchery, fascination, sorcery, magic
-
the state of being enchanted.
-
something that enchants.
Music is an enchantment that never fails.
noun
-
the act of enchanting or state of being enchanted
-
a magic spell or act of witchcraft
-
great charm or fascination
Etymology
Origin of enchantment
1250–1300; Middle English enchantement < Anglo-French, Old French < Latin incantāmentum. See enchant, -ment
Explanation
Exams over? School out for the summer? You may be feeling a sense of enchantment, that is, a sense of delight and escape from everyday reality. The psychological state of enchantment is so strong it can feel like you are under a spell or a trance, and these words are often interchangeable with enchantment. A work of art that is particularly captivating and enjoyable can also be termed an enchantment. The Winnie the Pooh books are often called "enchantments," and their sense of child-like innocence and simplicity is typical of the sensation of enchantment.
Vocabulary lists containing enchantment
Magical Vocabulary
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The Castle of Llyr
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Taran Wanderer
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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.
For the viewer, the result is visceral, conjuring the same enchantment and terror Clark has while investigating the space.
From Salon • May 30, 2026
Some children are more susceptible than others to the enchantment of a secret hideaway.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
You’ll hear similar stories from a lot of astronomy enthusiasts, who say that seeing their first big planet was what sparked a lifelong enchantment with the stars.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2025
Even so, “Yuletide Factory” offers moments of pure enchantment.
From New York Times • Nov. 27, 2024
She felt as though she had stepped into an enchantment, and her heart raced.
From "Ash" by Malinda Lo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
