Definition

1. Noun:
   • A magical spell: A word, phrase, or ritual believed to have magical power to control or influence someone or something.
   • A psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation: A feeling of being captivated, charmed, or under a magical influence.
   • A feeling of great liking for something wonderful and unusual: A state of delight, fascination, or intense pleasure caused by something beautiful, charming, or extraordinary.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sorcerer cast an enchantment on the prince, causing him to fall into a deep sleep. (Referring to a magical spell.)
  • She listened to the music with a look of pure enchantment on her face. (Referring to a captivated psychological state.)
  • The garden held a special enchantment for her in the moonlight. (Referring to a feeling of delight for something wonderful.)

Advanced Usage

• "Under an enchantment": In a state of being controlled or affected by magic.
  • The knight was under an enchantment and could not speak his true name.
• "Break the enchantment": To end a magical spell or a state of captivation.
  • Only true love's kiss could break the enchantment.

Variants and Related Words

• Enchant (verb): To fill someone with great delight; to cast a spell on.
  • The storyteller enchanted the children with her tales.
• Enchanter (noun): A person who uses magic or who delights and charms others.
• Enchanting (adjective): Delightfully charming or attractive.
  • We spent an enchanting evening by the lake.

Synonyms

• Spell: A form of words used as a magical charm or incantation.
• Bewitchment: The act of enchanting or casting a spell.
• Fascination: The power to irresistibly attract or delight.
• Rapture: A feeling of intense pleasure or joy.

Related Phrases

• Weave an enchantment: To cast or create a magical spell.
  • The witch wove a powerful enchantment over the forest.
• Sense of enchantment: A feeling of being charmed or delighted.
  • The old bookshop had a wonderful sense of enchantment.

Related Idioms

• Like magic/enchantment: Happening in a wonderfully effective and delightful way.
  • The medicine worked like enchantment, and he felt better immediately.
• Lose its enchantment: To no longer be delightful or fascinating.
  • After living there for ten years, the city began to lose its enchantment for him.

Noun

1. a magical spell
2. a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation
3. a feeling of great liking for something wonderful and unusual