enthral
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to hold spellbound; enchant; captivate
-
obsolete to hold as thrall; enslave
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of enthral
C16: from en- 1 + thrall
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:
As Super League's two most successful clubs, sharing 17 Grand Final wins between them, the showdown at Headingley between the fourth and fifth placed teams promised to enthral.
From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2025
They also constantly tried to reinvent the revolution to enthral and entertain the masses.
From New York Times ● Dec. 22, 2017
Ahead of a BBC Four tribute to composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, a BBC music journalist explains why his music continues to enthral and seduce.
From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2015
We've seen Cumberbatch enthral before with fast-gab brilliance, but this is him simply acting with his face.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 25, 2012
But of those you remember most newly, Of those who delight or enthral, None love you a quarter so truly As some you will find at our Ball.
From Essays in English Literature, 1780-1860 by George Saintsbury
Living in New Mexico, enthralled by its unique light, she painted pueblos, churches and her house at Ghost Ranch, where she spent many summers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026
She’s now ushering in the next generation of Trekkies, including her children and a 5-year-old niece, who she says became enthralled with “Strange New Worlds.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026
For investors enthralled by soaring corporate profits, headlines about the painful consequences from climate change are largely just background noise, experts say.
From Barron's ● Aug. 14, 2026
And the left-hander gave a brief glimpse of the thrilling strokeplay that has enthralled the cricketing world.
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026
Ernie and Merle became steadily more enthralled with electronics, especially the emerging technology of radio transmission.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
Wednesday marks 10 years since that historic gold, sealed by penalty strikes from Helen Richardson-Walsh and Hollie Pearne-Webb after an enthralling final had finished 3-3 at full-time.
From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026
In his enthralling and accessible book, Mr. Brunt gives the family its due and points to a different Russia that was denied the chance to emerge.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026
Replacement Australia fly-half Ben Donaldson missed a last-gasp penalty as Ireland claimed a comeback bonus-point win in an enthralling Nations Championship contest in Sydney.
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026
The play was categorized by the Tony committee as a revival, but it’s really an original drama — one that gave rise to one of the most enthralling productions of the year.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 8, 2026
The writing of Native Son was to me an exciting, enthralling, and even a romantic experience.
From "Native Son" by Richard Wright
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