philter

[ fil-ter ]

noun

1. a potion, charm, or drug supposed to cause the person taking it to fall in love, usually with some specific person.
2. a magic potion for any purpose.

verb (used with object)

, phil·tered, phil·ter·ing.

1. to enchant or bewitch with a philter.

Other Words From

• philter·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of philter¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from French philtre, from Latin philtrum; philtrum

Example Sentences

Hagar, in a fine dramatic melody, promised both, and proceeded to call up the spirit who would bring the love philter.

From Literature

Here, the chef, unseen, flips your chosen items in a wok with a philter of chile and spice.

From New York Times

I touched a hollow in a wall and picked a leaf and, where a street opened on the bay, looked and looked: the sea’s salty taste acted as a philter and years of contentment and ease surged about me, trying to reinstate themselves: my girls met me and we went home together, sharing our innocence.

From Project Gutenberg

I touched a hollow in a wall and picked a leaf and, where a street opened on the bay, looked and looked: the sea’s salty taste acted as a philter and years of contentment and ease surged about me, trying to reinstate themselves: my girls met me and we went home together, sharing our innocence.

From Project Gutenberg

This remark appears judicious, since the potion described by the Abbé was evidently intended as an amorous philter.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• draught
• elixir