enchant

verb

en·​chant in-ˈchant How to pronounce enchant (audio)
en-
enchanted; enchanting; enchants

transitive verb

1
: to influence by or as if by charms and incantation : bewitch
2
: to attract and move deeply : rouse to ecstatic admiration
the scene enchanted her to the point of tearsElinor Wylie
Choose the Right Synonym for enchant

attract, allure, charm, captivate, fascinate, enchant mean to draw another by exerting a powerful influence.

attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response

charmed by their hospitality

, but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration.

her performances captivated audiences

fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject.

hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

Examples of enchant in a Sentence

The book has enchanted children for almost a century. The beauty of the place enchants.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Viewers on TikTok were enchanted by the adorable baby goats in the clip. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025 Bern, Switzerland This enchanting Swiss city is recognized for its commitment to eco-friendly practices and green living. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 Mallorca, the largest of Spain's enchanting Balearic Islands, has typically been synonymous with bucket-list beaches and opulent Spanish villas. Shea Peters, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2024 The absence of humans enhances the enchanting world-building, allowing Kaža and Zilbalodis to create a timeless landscape where architectural elements transcend any specific historical period. Robert Lang, Deadline, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enchant 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enchanter, from Latin incantare, from in- + cantare to sing — more at chant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enchant was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near enchant

Cite this Entry

“Enchant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enchant. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

enchant

verb
en·​chant in-ˈchant How to pronounce enchant (audio)
1
: to influence by charms and magic : bewitch
2

More from Merriam-Webster on enchant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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