enthrall

[en-thrawl]

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verb (used with object)

to captivate or charm: a performer whose grace, skill, and virtuosity enthrall her audiences.
to put or hold in slavery; subjugate: to be enthralled by illusions and superstitions.

Also inthral, inthrall.

Origin of enthrall

First recorded in 1570–80; en-¹ + thrall

Related formsen·thrall·er, nounen·thrall·ing·ly, adverben·thrall·ment, noun

Synonyms for enthrall

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1. spellbind, enchant, transport, enrapture.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for enthrall

bewitch, fascinate, subdue, mesmerize, preoccupy, hypnotize, beguile, enrapture, enchant, intrigue, rivet, grip, entrance, engage, absorb, hook, charm, enslave, subjugate, grab

Examples from the Web for enthrall

Contemporary Examples of enthrall

Choose carefully and this soft, plummy varietal can enthrall like a fine Cabernet Sauvignon.
Five Ways to Drink Bravely
Mark Oldman
October 25, 2010
But what's certain is that Flight of the Conchords will continue to enthrall its fan base for years to come.
HBO's Troubadours Take Flight
Jace Lacob
September 18, 2009

Historical Examples of enthrall

I am afraid I may frighten the company, frighten or enthrall them.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde
Upon the brow determination sits; she is ever seeking whom she may enthrall.
Charles Baudelaire, His Life
Thophile Gautier
And he had scant fear, save that he might happen on men who should enthrall him.
The Wood Beyond the World
William Morris
Are the powers of light sufficiently great to enthrall mankind without the aid of form, music, action, or spoken words?
Artificial Light
M. Luckiesh
The younger sister, Henrietta Mendelssohn, was not handsome enough to enthrall the libertines of the salon.
History of the Jews, Vol. V (of 6)
Heinrich Graetz

Word Origin and History for enthrall

also enthral "to hold in mental or moral bondage," 1570s, from en- (1) "make, put in" + thrall. Literal sense is from 1610s. Related: Enthralled; enthralling.