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.

There are gorgeous fight sequences and enough Marvel universe action to enthrall children and teenagers.

From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2024

Untangling that knot is how "Fiddler," which debuted on Broadway in 1964, managed to enthrall Jewish Americans.

From Salon • Jul. 8, 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

“We’re so grateful that these and so many other wonderful examples of his times on stage and screen live on and continue to enthrall generations across the decades.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2023

Deign this night to stay with me, And let me abide in Thee, That, while darkness may enthrall me, Yet no evil may befall me.

From Morning and Evening Prayers for All Days of the Week Together With Confessional, Communion, and Other Prayers and Hymns for Mornings and Evenings, and Other Occasions by Habermann, John

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