enthral
/in'θrɔ:l/ Cách viết khác : (enthrall) /in'θrɔ:l/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- Captivate: To attract and hold the interest of.
- Fascinate: To draw irresistibly the attention and interest of.
- Mesmerize: To hold the attention of someone entirely.
- Spellbind: To hold as if by a spell.
Antonyms
- Bore: To make someone feel weary and uninterested.
- Repel: To drive or force someone away; to cause aversion.
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)