Synonyms

spellbind

American

[spel-bahynd] / ˈspɛlˌbaɪnd /

verb (used with object)

spellbound, spellbinding

to hold or bind by or as if by a spell; enchant; entrance; fascinate.

spellbind British

/ ˈspɛlˌbaɪnd /

verb

(tr) to cause to be spellbound; entrance or enthral

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

spellbindingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of spellbind

1800–10; spell ² + bind, deduced from spellbound

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.

I saw him spellbind a room reciting Sophocles.

From Washington Post • Apr. 11, 2023

And yet, onstage, under the pink LEDs, the dancers spellbind.

From New York Times • Jul. 7, 2020

“Throughout his life in jazz, Cecil continues to spellbind or infuriate listeners.”

From Reuters • Apr. 6, 2018

The assorted facts tailored to fit these spaces spellbind Navy buffs and pros.

From Time Magazine Archive

We here at the Mumbai Young Filmmakers Council are all in agreement that Miss Mehra possesses the unique ability to truly transform her characters on-screen in such a way as to spellbind her audience.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon

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