bewitched: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Literary, figurative; common in descriptive prose and romantic contexts. Less common in formal technical writing.
Quick answer
What does “bewitched” mean?
Under the influence of magic or enchantment, typically rendering one powerless to resist.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Under the influence of magic or enchantment, typically rendering one powerless to resist; figuratively, charmed or fascinated to an intense degree.
Used to describe a state of being utterly captivated, mesmerized, or enthralled, often with connotations of losing one's rational judgement or free will to an overpowering attraction or influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use the word with identical core meanings and similar frequency. The literal supernatural sense is perhaps slightly more sustained in UK folklore contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word leans slightly archaic or literary when used literally. The figurative use is alive and common.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. Slightly higher in UK corpus likely due to richer historical/literary referencing.
Grammar
How to Use “bewitched” in a Sentence
[Subject] be/become/feel bewitched[Subject] be/become/feel bewitched by [Object][Subject] be/become/feel bewitched into [V-ing]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bewitched” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old tale claimed the forest spirit could bewitch travellers, making them lose their way for days.
- She had a voice that could bewitch any audience.
American English
- The scam artist bewitched his elderly victims into giving him their life savings.
- He felt the vibrant city lights had bewitched him, luring him away from his quiet hometown.
adjective
British English
- The bewitched knight could do nothing but obey the sorceress's commands.
- She gave him a bewitched smile that made his heart skip.
American English
- The children listened with bewitched attention to the storyteller.
- He walked through the garden with a bewitched expression, taking in every detail.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially used metaphorically in leadership/ marketing contexts: 'The board was bewitched by the charismatic founder's vision, ignoring the financial risks.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, cultural studies, and psychology to describe states of irrational fascination or ideological capture.
Everyday
Common in romantic or aesthetic descriptions: 'He was completely bewitched by her from the first moment they met.'
Technical
Not used in STEM fields. Possible in historical studies of witchcraft.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bewitched”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bewitched”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bewitched”
- Using 'bewitched' to mean simply 'very interested' (too weak). Incorrect: 'I'm bewitched by the new tax regulations.' Correct: 'I'm fascinated by...' | Using it as an active verb incorrectly. Incorrect: 'The sunset bewitched me to stare.' Correct: 'I was bewitched by the sunset into staring.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Predominantly yes (charm, beauty, talent). However, it can imply a dangerous or manipulative fascination that leads to poor judgement, e.g., 'bewitched by the cult leader's promises.'
Yes, but it's less common than the adjectival (participial) form. The verb 'to bewitch' is transitive and typically requires an object: 'The melody bewitched him.'
'Bewitched' is stronger and more poetic. It implies a loss of control or will, as if by magic. 'Fascinated' suggests a powerful interest but retains a sense of the subject's active curiosity.
No. 'Bewitching' is an adjective meaning 'enchantingly charming' (e.g., 'a bewitching smile'). To describe the act of charming someone, you use the verb: 'I bewitched them with my stories.' The present participle 'bewitching' is not used reflexively in modern English.
Under the influence of magic or enchantment, typically rendering one powerless to resist.
Bewitched is usually literary, figurative; common in descriptive prose and romantic contexts. less common in formal technical writing. in register.
Bewitched: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈwɪtʃt/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈwɪtʃt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) if bewitched”
- “like a bewitched creature”
- “under a bewitched spell (figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BE + WITCHED = 'be' in a state caused by a 'witch'. Imagine a witch has cast a spell on you, leaving you charmed and unable to look away.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRACTION IS MAGIC / LOVE IS WITCHCRAFT. The desirable person/object is conceptualized as a magical agent who can override the victim's will.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'bewitched' CORRECTLY in its most common modern, figurative sense?