spellbinder

[ spel-bahyn-der ]

noun

1. a person or thing that spellbinds, especially a powerful speaker who can captivate an audience.

spellbinder

/ ˈspɛlˌbaɪndə /

noun

1. a person capable of holding others spellbound, esp a political speaker
2. a novel, play, etc, that holds one enthralled

Word History and Origins

Origin of spellbinder¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; spellbind + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Like the spellbinder, the oracle frequently builds on the look-on-this-picture-and-then-on-that plan.

From Project Gutenberg

It is all very well for the "spellbinder" to claim all the precincts—the official count is just ahead.

From Project Gutenberg

On the stump he does not address the imagination as does the Hibernian spellbinder.

From Project Gutenberg

But he had fallen under the hypnotism of some too eloquent spellbinder.

From Project Gutenberg

The new spellbinder was anxious to speak whenever there was an occasion, and often when there was none at all.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• charmer
• genius
• virtuoso
• witch
• wizard