Beguile

Verb

Definition: To charm or enchant someone, often in a deceptive or misleading way.

Definition: To deceive or trick someone.

Definition: To pass the time pleasantly, often in a crafty or cunning manner.

Synonyms: Deceive, Mislead, Dupe, Charm, Enchant

Antonyms: Inform, Enlighten, Reveal, Clarify

Examples:

The magician beguiled the audience with his sleight of hand.
She was beguiled by his smooth talk and promises.
He beguiled the hours by playing chess with his friends.

Mnemonics:

Imagine a sly trickster using his charm to beguile unsuspecting victims.
Think of beguile like "be-guile," meaning to be fooled or deceived.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English "bigilen," from Old English "beguilen," which means "to deceive or cheat."

Historical Usage:

The word has been used since Middle English and has retained its meaning of deceiving or tricking someone throughout history. The usage of beguile to also mean passing time pleasantly developed in the 14th century.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Beguile the time"

Explanation:

To find pleasant or entertaining ways to occupy oneself and make the time pass quickly.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Using "beguile" only in the context of deceiving or tricking someone.

Explanation:

While one of the meanings of beguile is indeed to deceive or trick, it can also be used to describe charming or enchanting someone, as well as passing time in a cunning or crafty manner.