bewitch
C1Literary, formal, sometimes poetic; occasionally used figuratively in everyday speech.
Definition
Meaning
To cast a magic spell on someone; to enchant or charm someone as if by magic.
To attract or fascinate someone so strongly that they feel captivated or charmed, often in a way that seems irresistible or supernatural.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in the context of literal magic in fantasy or historical settings. In modern figurative use, it implies an intense, almost magical attraction or charm that dominates someone's attention or feelings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use it in literal and figurative senses.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English in literary contexts; American English may use 'enthrall' or 'mesmerize' more frequently in figurative speech.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly higher in UK corpus due to historical/literary texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] bewitch [Object][Subject] bewitch [Object] with [Instrument]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bewitched, bothered and bewildered”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in marketing: 'The new design bewitched consumers.'
Academic
Rare, except in literary analysis or historical studies of witchcraft.
Everyday
Figurative use: 'That song bewitches me every time I hear it.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The sorcerer sought to bewitch the king.
- Her performance bewitched the entire audience.
American English
- The tale told of a witch who could bewitch anyone.
- He was utterly bewitched by her intelligence and grace.
adverb
British English
- She smiled bewitchingly from across the room.
- The music played bewitchingly in the background.
American English
- He spoke bewitchingly, holding the crowd's attention.
- The lights shimmered bewitchingly on the water.
adjective
British English
- The bewitched prince slept for a hundred years.
- She had a bewitching smile that captivated everyone.
American English
- The bewitched forest was said to be haunted.
- They fell under her bewitching spell.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The magician tried to bewitch the rabbit.
- The beautiful garden bewitched the visitors.
- The old legend claims the fairy could bewitch travellers and lead them astray.
- His voice had a bewitching quality that made everyone listen.
- The politician's oratory bewitched the electorate, masking the flaws in his policy.
- She possessed a bewitching combination of wit and vulnerability that fascinated him.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BE + WITCH: Imagine a witch casting a spell to BE a WITCH and bewitch someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRACTION IS MAGIC / LOVE IS A SPELL
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'околдовать' (to enchant literally) when the context is figurative fascination. In Russian, the figurative use is less common.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'bewitch' to mean simple liking ('I bewitch this pizza') instead of intense fascination.
- Confusing with 'bewilder' (to confuse).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bewitch' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially in its figurative sense. It often describes being charmingly or delightfully fascinated (e.g., 'bewitched by her laughter').
No. Its core historical meaning involves magic, but its dominant modern use is figurative, meaning to captivate or charm intensely.
Bewitchment. The adjective is 'bewitching' and the adverb is 'bewitchingly'.
It is moderately formal and literary. In everyday conversation, synonyms like 'charm' or 'fascinate' are more common.