enthrall

Also inthrall.

[en-thrawl]

verb (used with object)

1. to captivate or charm.

   a performer whose grace, skill, and virtuosity enthrall her audiences.

   Synonyms: enrapture, transport, entrance, enchant, spellbind

2. to put or hold in slavery; subjugate.

   to be enthralled by illusions and superstitions.

Other Word Forms

• enthraller noun
• enthrallingly adverb
• enthrallment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enthrall¹

First recorded in 1570–80; en- ¹ + thrall

Example Sentences

On the flip side, O’Brien’s Roman may not possess the sharpness of “the brightest tool in the shed” as he erroneously says, but his disarmingly endearing lack of malice enthralls the more cynical Dennis.

From Los Angeles Times

Vuong is a lauded poet whose paragraphs are shot through with sentences that enthrall and often land with a philosopher’s wisdom and economy.

From Los Angeles Times

An opera doesn’t require an intricate plot or dazzling tricks, only that its stars enthrall their audience with their breathtaking talent in the moments that count.

From Salon

There are gorgeous fight sequences and enough Marvel universe action to enthrall children and teenagers.

From New York Times

If we were living in a just society, where the justice system did not use unjust practices to enthrall us, then we could just find something else to talk about.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beguile 
• bewitch 
• enchant 
• enrapture 
• fascinate 
• hypnotize 
• intrigue 
• mesmerize 
• preoccupy 
• rivet 
• subdue