Enthral

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈθrɔːl/

Definitions

• To captivate or charm someone completely.
• To hold someone spellbound or fascinated.
• To enslave or bring under control by great attraction or power.

Usage Examples

1. The magician’s performance was so captivating that it completely enthralled the audience.

2. The beauty of the sunset enthralled her, and she stood there for hours in awe.

3. The movie's plot enthralled viewers with its unexpected twists and emotional depth.

Etymology

The word "enthral" comes from the Middle English "enthrallen," meaning "to hold in thrall," which originated from the Old Norse word "þræll" meaning "slave." The modern sense of the word evolved in the 16th century to mean "to captivate" or "to charm completely."

Synonyms

• Captivate
• Charm
• Fascinate
• Spellbind
• Enrapture

Antonyms

• Disenchant
• Repel
• Bore
• Unimpress
• Disinterest

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• English (UK): /ɪnˈθrɔːl/
• English (US): /ɪnˈθrɔːl/
• French: /ɑ̃ʃɑ̃te/
• Spanish: /faθiˈnaɾ/

Historical Usage

The term "enthral" dates back to the 16th century, originally meaning to hold someone in thrall or to enslave them. It evolved to mean captivating or charming someone completely over time. By the 18th century, it was commonly used in literary works to describe the effect of a powerful performance or experience on an audience.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, the concept of enthralling someone has ties to performance arts, storytelling, and even religious ceremonies. It is often associated with the ability to captivate an audience, evoking admiration or awe. In modern media, the term is frequently used to describe movies, performances, or events that leave a lasting impression on viewers.

More Information

The act of enthralling someone is central to many art forms, especially theater, music, and literature, where captivating the audience is the key goal. In rhetoric and public speaking, to enthrall is to engage listeners so completely that they are entirely focused on the speaker or performance. In personal interactions, being able to enthrall can be seen as a sign of charm or influence.