enchant
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to cast a spell on; bewitch
-
to delight or captivate utterly; fascinate; charm
Other Word Forms
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.
Instead, throw yourself into the music, art and theater festivals that enchant the nation all summer long.
From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026
He also reveals how the York sound—full, warm and resonant—continues to enchant tuba players and enthusiasts.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 2025
This has been Nintendo’s video game mantra since it’s Nintendo Entertainment System days — to show gaming and play as a medium full of possibilities, using world building, competition and puzzles to enchant.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2025
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
“Would that someone would enchant her to do otherwise,” Locke says from somewhere behind me, but he doesn’t sound angry like Cardan.
From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
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.
