bewitch

[ bih-wich ]

verb (used with object)

1. to affect by witchcraft or magic; cast a spell over.
2. to enchant; charm; fascinate:

   The painter bewitched the crowd with his latest work.

   Synonyms: transport, enrapture, captivate

verb (used without object)

1. to cause someone to be enchanted; cast a spell over someone:

   She lost her power to bewitch.

bewitch

/ bɪˈwɪtʃ /

verb

1. to attract and fascinate; enchant
2. to cast a spell over

Derived Forms

• beˈwitching, adjective
• beˈwitchingly, adverb

Other Words From

• be·witch·er noun
• be·witch·er·y noun
• be·witch·ing·ness noun
• be·witch·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bewitch¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, bewitch is from the Middle English word biwicchen; be-, witch

Word History and Origins

Origin of bewitch¹

C13 bewicchen ; see be- , witch

Example Sentences

In Episode 1, the bewitched Agatha peers into what appears to be a child’s room in her house.

From Los Angeles Times

It certainly wasn’t what I was expecting when I opened a bewitching, vintage-tinged box detailing a fantastical assembly line and saw a smattering of board game figurines.

From Los Angeles Times

It is bewitching telly, and rather unsettling in the flesh.

From BBC

Who knew particle physics could be so bewitching?

From Los Angeles Times

He said it was she who first bewitched him when he worked as a page in the stacks of the Johns Hopkins University library in Baltimore as an undergraduate.

From New York Times

Related Words

• beguile
• captivate
• dazzle
• enchant
• enrapture
• enthrall
• fascinate
• hypnotize