enspell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowLiterary, archaic, poetic
Quick answer
What does “enspell” mean?
To cast a spell on.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cast a spell on; to enchant or fascinate someone or something.
To capture someone's attention or imagination completely, as if by magic; to charm or enthrall.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference. The word is equally rare and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Both varieties share connotations of fantasy, magic, and old-fashioned charm.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare in contemporary usage for both.
Grammar
How to Use “enspell” in a Sentence
[Subject] enspells [Object] (e.g., The witch enspelled the prince).[Subject] is enspelled by [Agent] (e.g., He was enspelled by her gaze).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enspell” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ancient tome's illustrations seemed to enspell all who looked upon them.
- The storyteller's voice had the power to enspell an entire hall.
American English
- The magician sought to enspell the audience with his grand illusion.
- The quiet beauty of the forest enspelled the hikers.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely, only in historical or literary analysis of older texts.
Everyday
Not used in contemporary everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enspell”
- Using it as a synonym for 'inspire' (too weak).
- Using it in modern, non-literary contexts.
- Misspelling as 'inspell'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic or literary. You will almost never hear it in everyday conversation.
They are close synonyms. 'Enspell' is older and less common, often implying the specific act of casting a spell, while 'bewitch' is more widely used and can also mean 'to charm delightfully'.
It is a transitive verb.
To cast a spell on.
Enspell is usually literary, archaic, poetic in register.
Enspell: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈspɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈspɛl/ or /ɛnˈspɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. Archaic construction: 'hold/keep someone enspelled'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: To put IN a SPELL = ENSPELL.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTENTION IS MAGIC (e.g., 'Her story enspelled the children' frames deep attention as a magical act).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'enspell' MOST appropriately used?