enthral
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to hold spellbound; enchant; captivate
-
obsolete to hold as thrall; enslave
Other Word Forms
- enthraller noun
- enthralment noun
Etymology
Origin of enthral
C16: from en- 1 + thrall
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As Super League's two most successful clubs, sharing 17 Grand Final wins between them, the showdown at Headingley between the fourth and fifth placed teams promised to enthral.
From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025
They also constantly tried to reinvent the revolution to enthral and entertain the masses.
From New York Times • Dec. 22, 2017
Ahead of a BBC Four tribute to composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, a BBC music journalist explains why his music continues to enthral and seduce.
From BBC • Dec. 29, 2015
The problem is that only one story – the one told by Jeni, who fell off a North Sea ferry – has the power to enthral.
From The Guardian • May 18, 2013
All night long he was sending messages directing the plan of battle the news of which was to enthral the civilized world.
From Drake, Nelson and Napoleon by Runciman, Walter
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
