enthral

/in'θrɔ:l/ Cách viết khác : (enthrall) /in'θrɔ:l/

Definition

Verb (transitive):
- To hold the complete attention of someone as if by magic or powerful fascination; to captivate utterly.
- To reduce someone to a state of subservience or mental bondage through intense fascination.

Usage and Examples

Basic Usage: The verb "enthral" describes the action of capturing someone's interest so completely that they are unable to think of anything else.
- The magician's performance enthralled the entire audience.
- She was enthralled by the ancient story her grandmother told.
Passive Voice: Often used in the passive form ("be enthralled by/with") to describe the state of being captivated.
- The children sat enthralled by the puppet show.
- He is enthralled with the history of Rome.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

Emotional or Intellectual Captivation: "Enthral" can refer to a deep intellectual or emotional engagement.
- The scientist was enthralled by the complexity of the new data.
Implied Duration: The state of being enthralled often implies a sustained period of attention.
- For hours, the novel enthralled her, making her forget the time.

Variants and Related Words

Enthralling (adjective): Extremely interesting and captivating.
- It was an enthralling tale of adventure.
Enthralment (noun): The state of being enthralled.
- The enthrallment of the crowd was evident from their silence.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases and Constructions

Hold/Keep someone enthralled: To maintain someone's captivated attention.
- The speaker held the audience enthralled for over an hour.
Be enthralled to something/someone (archaic): To be in a state of servitude or bondage. (This usage is now rare and primarily historical or literary.)
- The knight was enthralled to his king's command. (Historical/Literary)

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