bewitch

[bih-wich]

verb (used with object)

1. to affect by witchcraft or magic; cast a spell over.

2. to enchant; charm; fascinate.

   The painter bewitched the crowd with his latest work.

   Synonyms: transport, enrapture, captivate

verb (used without object)

1. to cause someone to be enchanted; cast a spell over someone.

   She lost her power to bewitch.

bewitch

/ bɪˈwɪtʃ /

verb

1. to attract and fascinate; enchant

2. to cast a spell over

Other Word Forms

• bewitcher noun
• bewitchery noun
• bewitchingness noun
• bewitchment noun
• bewitching adjective
• bewitchingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bewitch¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, bewitch is from the Middle English word biwicchen; be-, witch

Word History and Origins

Origin of bewitch¹

C13 bewicchen ; see _be- , _witch

Example Sentences

Scroll through homes for sale in the Eastern Caribbean and it is no longer just bewitching beaches and a laid-back lifestyle being touted to woo buyers.

From BBC

On screen, they possessed a bewitching stillness, performing barefoot in a pair of golden feathered trousers like some sort of musical Icarus.

From BBC

Judeline’s songs are imbued with a bewitching sensuality and romanticism that verges on religious devotion.

From Los Angeles Times

"Wicked" has bewitched even its most reluctant fans, enticing them to overstay their welcome in the magical world of Oz.

From Salon

Chinese state media said the group had been "bewitched" by criminal organisations and were stranded in Thailand after illegally leaving the country.

From BBC

Related Words

• beguile 
• captivate 
• dazzle 
• enchant 
• enrapture 
• enthrall 
• fascinate 
• hypnotize