Enthral

Verb

Definition: To captivate or charm; to hold spellbound or in complete attention.

Synonyms: Captivate, Charm, Fascinate, Mesmerize

Antonyms: Bore, Repel, Disgust

Examples:

The magician's performance enthralled the audience with its mesmerizing illusions.
The gripping novel enthralled readers until the very last page.

Mnemonics:

Imagine someone being held in thrall, unable to break free from the captivating spell.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "enthral" can be traced back to the Middle English word "enthralen", which comes from the Old English word "thrawlian" meaning "to enslave."

Historical Usage:

The term was historically used in the context of actual enslavement but has evolved to refer to captivating someone's attention in a figurative sense.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Enthralled by someone/something"

Explanation:

This phrase describes being completely captivated or fascinated by someone or something.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "enthral" with "enthrall."

Explanation:

While both spellings are commonly used, "enthral" is considered a variant of "enthrall." Some people may assume that "enthral" is incorrect, but it is still accepted in standard English.