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

For a performer who confessed that he thinks in show tunes, he certainly knows how to bewitch an audience with musical theater classics retooled to put lunkhead politicians with malicious agendas in their place.

From Los Angeles Times

While “I Put a Spell on You” is a fan-favorite, the super-creepy “Come Little Children,” sung by Parker’s Sarah to bewitch children for eating, is also a memorable performance.

From Washington Post

Well, when there are people available to bewitch.

From Washington Post

It’s a lovely face, eternally so, yet while beauty tends to pull us in, it doesn’t necessarily hold and bewitch us, keeping us hooked.

From New York Times

We are currently under enormous danger because of the platform that is provided the president, which he uses daily to fuel conspiracy theories, to bewitch his followers' minds, to exhaust those who would oppose him, and now to subvert democracy itself.

From Salon

Related Words

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