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definitions

enthrall

[ en-thrawl ]
/ ɛnˈθrɔl /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR enthrall ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

RELATED WORDS

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

Nearby words

  1. enthesis,
  2. enthesitis,
  3. enthesopathy,
  4. enthetic,
  5. enthral,
  6. enthralling,
  7. enthrone,
  8. enthronement,
  9. enthuse,
  10. enthusiasm
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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for 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|DAILY BEAST

  • Corydon was sitting with her hands clasped, and a look of enthrallment upon her face.

    Love's Pilgrimage|Upton Sinclair

  • 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
Word Origin and History for enthrallment

enthrall

v.

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.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper