spellbinding
|spell-bind-ing|
B2
/ˈspɛlˌbaɪndɪŋ/
(spellbind)
captivate
Etymology
Etymology Information
'spellbind' originates from the combination of 'spell' and 'bind', where 'spell' meant 'a magical formula' and 'bind' meant 'to tie or fasten'.
Historical Evolution
'spellbind' changed from the Old English word 'spellian' meaning 'to tell' and 'bindan' meaning 'to bind', eventually becoming the modern English word 'spellbind'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to bind with a spell', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'captivating or fascinating'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having the ability to captivate or fascinate someone completely.
The magician's performance was truly spellbinding.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45