en⋅thrall
/ɛnˈθrɔl/
Show Spelled Pronunciation [en-thrawl]
Show IPA –verb (used with object) | 1. | to captivate or charm: a performer whose grace, skill, and virtuosity enthrall her audiences. |
| 2. | to put or hold in slavery; subjugate: to be enthralled by illusions and superstitions. |
Related forms: en⋅thrall⋅er, noun
en⋅thrall⋅ing⋅ly, adverb
en⋅thrall⋅ment, noun
Synonyms:
1. spellbind, enchant, transport, enrapture.
en·thrall (ěn-thrôl') tr.v.
en·thralled, en·thrall·ing, en·thralls
To hold spellbound; captivate: The magic show enthralled the audience. To enslave.
[Middle English, to put in bondage : en-, causative pref.; see en-1 + thrall, slave; see thrall.] en·thrall'ing·ly adv., en·thrall'ment n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History
enthrall
c.1576, from
en- "make, put in" +
thrall.