spellbind
Verb: 1. To hold someone's complete attention as if by magic; to fascinate or captivate utterly. This is the most common meaning. It describes the power to attract and hold someone's interest so completely that they seem unable to look away or think of anything else. 2. To put or hold someone in a trance. This is a more literal, less common meaning, suggesting a state like hypnosis.
The verb "spellbind" is transitive and typically used in the past participle form "spellbound" as an adjective to describe the captivated person or audience.
Verb (to captivate):
- The storyteller's tale of adventure spellbound the children.
- Her powerful voice and stage presence spellbind every audience.
- We were spellbound by the beauty of the northern lights.
Adjective (Past Participle):
- The spellbound crowd watched the magician in complete silence.
- He listened, spellbound, to the ancient legend.
- "To hold/keep someone spellbound": This is a common collocation emphasizing the duration of the captivation.
- The speaker held the conference hall spellbound for over an hour.
- Spellbinding (adjective): Having the power to captivate; fascinating.
- It was a spellbinding performance.
- Spellbinder (noun): A speaker or performer who captivates their audience.
- The politician was known as a powerful spellbinder.
- Spellbound (adjective): Entranced or fascinated; the state of being spellbind.
- Captivate: To attract and hold the interest of.
- Enthrall: To capture the complete attention and interest of.
- Fascinate: To attract and hold interest by being unique or mysterious.
- Mesmerize: To hold someone's attention completely, making them unable to move or look away.
- Enchant: To delight and charm, often with a sense of magic.
- Bore
- Repel
- Disinterest
The core idea of "spellbind" combines "spell" (as in magic) and "bind" (to tie). It implies being bound or tied by a figurative spell of fascination. While one definition relates to a literal trance, its predominant modern use is figurative, describing a powerful, captivating effect on someone's attention and emotions.
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put into a trance
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attract strongly, as if with a magnet
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She magnetized the audience with her tricks
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to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe
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The snake charmer fascinates the cobra
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