enchant

[ en-chant, -chahnt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to subject to magical influence; bewitch:

   fairytales about witches who enchant handsome princes and beautiful maidens.

2. to delight to a high degree:

   Her gaiety and wit have enchanted us all.

   Synonyms: enrapture, captivate, attract, fascinate

3. to impart a magic quality or effect to.

enchant

/ ɪnˈtʃɑːnt /

verb

1. to cast a spell on; bewitch
2. to delight or captivate utterly; fascinate; charm

Derived Forms

• enˈchanter, noun
• enˈchantress, noun:feminine

Other Words From

• unen·chanted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enchant¹

1325–75; Middle English < Anglo-French, Middle French enchanter < Latin incantāre to put a spell on; incantation

Word History and Origins

Origin of enchant¹

C14: from Old French enchanter, from Latin incantāre to chant a spell, from cantāre to chant, from canere to sing

Example Sentences

The next level pass, called the Enchant Key, is now $974, an increase of $125.

From Los Angeles Times

The power of this sort of technology to enchant its users became a pivotal plot element of “Big,” and in turn the central prop in one of the most fondly recalled scenes in recent movie history.

From New York Times

Forcing them to reckon with their vulnerabilities is key, Potí said in an interview, as stilt walkers’ ability to enchant stems from becoming comfortable with instability, and they must be conscious of what they will communicate to a crowd.

From Seattle Times

“Oh, Mary!,” of course, is not about gay bars or Jackée Harry, but it is just as camp: The former first lady is presented as a bubbleheaded alcoholic, and she is the latest put-upon woman to enchant Escola.

From New York Times

The city will enchant and wreck you.

From New York Times

Related Words

• beguile
• bewitch
• captivate
• carry away
• charm
• enamor
• enrapture
• enthrall
• entice
• fascinate
• gratify
• hypnotize
• please
• thrill
• wow