enthrall

American

[en-thrawl] / ɛnˈθrɔl /

Also inthrall.

verb (used with object)

to captivate or charm.

a performer whose grace, skill, and virtuosity enthrall her audiences.

Synonyms:

enrapture, transport, entrance, enchant, spellbind
to put or hold in slavery; subjugate.

to be enthralled by illusions and superstitions.

Other Word Forms

enthraller noun
enthrallingly adverb
enthrallment noun

Etymology

Origin of enthrall

First recorded in 1570–80; 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.

But at heart, this is a heist saga designed to enthrall in its ingenuity and ambition, one of the more presentable cases of cowboy spycraft from an us-versus-them time.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2023

From the world-famous Keukenhof garden in the Netherlands to the magical bluebell Hallerbos forest in Belgium, they are out there again, almost on cue to enthrall, enthuse and soothe the mind.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2023

She found a new audience in Japan, and continued to enthrall critics at home.

From New York Times • Feb. 3, 2023

Not only does it entertain and enthrall, it allows us to communicate emotions.

From Salon • Oct. 22, 2022

"The Wonderful Shell" is a veritable prose poem, and there is magic and wonderful imagery about "Pikoi the Rat-Killer" which will enthrall the youngsters and entertain their elders.

From Legends of Gods and Ghosts (Hawaiian Mythology) Collected and Translated from the Hawaiian by Westervelt, W. D. (William Drake)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023