Vocabulary in context
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Enthrall
To capture and hold someone's attention or imagination; to spellbind or fascinate.
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Imagine This
Imagine a storyteller in a candlelit theater whose words weave a glowing spell. The audience leans in, eyes wide, as if drawn by an invisible thread, completely absorbed by the tale.
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Sounds Like
en-THRAWL
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Looks Like
en + thrall (thrall means a slave or captive)
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Remember This
Enthrall comes from en- (to cause) + thrall (a slave or captive); being 'in thrall' means being under someone’s control, which is now used figuratively to mean being captivated by something.
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Other Forms
enthrallmentnoun
enthralledadjective
enthrallingadjective
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Connect With
fascinate, captivate, enchant, mesmerize, spellbind
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Note
Use enthrall with a direct object: 'to enthrall someone' or 'be enthralled by/with something.' The adjective forms are enthralling and enthralled; the noun form is enthrallment. A common variant spelling is 'enthral' (less common in modern usage).
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The magician enthralled the audience with an impossible levitation trick.
- The novel's gripping narrative enthralls readers from the first page to the last.
Synonyms
fascinatecaptivateenchantmesmerizespellbind
Antonyms
boredisinterestrepel
Etymology
From en- (to cause) + thrall (a slave or captive). The sense evolved from placing someone in bondage to figuratively holding someone spellbound.
Mnemonic
EN + THRALL: En (to put into) + thrall (slavery) → to put someone into a figurative 'slavery' of fascination; when you are enthralled, you are in thrall to a idea or performer.
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adjectiveHaving or showing an attitude of superiority and contempt toward others; arrogantly self-important.
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nounThe state of being self-governing or independent; the capacity to act with self-direction and make one’s own decisions.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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