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 enthrallment

fascination, attention, immersion, engrossment, concentration, preoccupation, captivation, intentness

Examples from the Web for enthrallment

Contemporary Examples of enthrallment

His enthrallment of media culture persists because he is so good at what he does.
Murdoch’s Dark Arts
Tina Brown
July 11, 2011

Historical Examples of enthrallment

The words awoke John from his enthrallment and she saw by his glance toward her that he did not comprehend their meaning.
Spring Street
James H. Richardson
Corydon was sitting with her hands clasped, and a look of enthrallment upon her face.
Love's Pilgrimage
Upton Sinclair

Word Origin and History for enthrallment

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.