spellbind

verb

spell·​bind ˈspel-ˌbīnd How to pronounce spellbind (audio)
spellbound ˈspel-ˌbau̇nd How to pronounce spellbind (audio) ; spellbinding

transitive verb

: to bind or hold by or as if by a spell

Examples of spellbind in a Sentence

the tale about pirates and their buried treasure had completely spellbound the children
Recent Examples on the Web In person, the image is spellbinding and compelling, a short story unto itself. Tom Teicholz, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Whether his fight with the Mouse House will end in a spellbinding triumph or an embarrassing failure, Peltz has dug in. Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2024 Beginning June 2 with a centennial celebration for the legendary Cain’s Ballroom, the Can’t Let Go Tour will see Plant, Krauss bring spellbinding vocal performances and uncanny arrangements to amphitheaters, pavilions, opera houses and other historic venues. Dave Brooks, Billboard, 13 Feb. 2024 The spellbinding 80-minute drama featured intense and authentic performances by three talented young actors: Amira Temple, Devin Wade and Marcel Ferrin. ‘Tosca’ — San Diego Opera (Courtesy of San Diego Opera) Opera companies around the United States have struggled to recover from the pandemic. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2023 The finale of the match comes down to the single, spellbinding move that gives the film its title: one hand, five curved fingers clutching the crown of the opponent’s head as though for dear life. Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2023 The underarm design is modern and practical, and its unique shape can elevate a variety of looks from casual to high fashion, all for an affordable price. Find it on Amazon Captivating Table Lamp For Mesmerizing Illumination The futuristic design of this acrylic table lamp is spellbinding. Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2023 After the performance, a spellbinding light show transformed the iconic New York City building into a canvas of vivid colors. Maia Torres, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023 February: Venice and Viareggio Venice is always an exciting city to visit, but during Carnival, the atmosphere is spellbinding. Joyce Falcone, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spellbind.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from spellbound

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spellbind was in 1808

Dictionary Entries Near spellbind

Cite this Entry

“Spellbind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spellbind. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spellbind

verb
spell·​bind ˈspel-ˌbīnd How to pronounce spellbind (audio)
spellbound -ˌbau̇nd How to pronounce spellbind (audio) ; spellbinding
: to hold by or as if by a spell : fascinate
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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