spellbound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spellbound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being fascinated or entranced by something, often in a magical or captivating way. Example: "The audience was spellbound by the magician's incredible performance, unable to look away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ian McEwan, for example, wrote a novel, Solar, with a climate theme and several visual artists have produced pieces seemingly spellbound by the encounter with an alien world of ice under threat.

The Guardian

It did not matter so much in Gladstone's time – they would sit rapt for hours, spellbound by his oratory – but now they run everywhere and annoy the older members by sending disrespectful text messages about them to Channel 4 News.

The Guardian - Opinion

The simple answer is that he is a mesmerising speaker, a man who can hold his audience spellbound for hours without the benefit of a note.

The Economist

It was those workers Neil Armstrong was thinking of when, as commander of Apollo 11, the mission that landed men on the moon on July 20th 1969, he emerged from the lunar module to talk of small steps for man and giant leaps for mankind.The achievement of his crew, relayed live on television, held the world spellbound.

The Economist

A few months before that pageant the Dalai Lama talked about compassion before walking over a new "Peace Bridge", flanked by Catholic and Protestant clergy.Steve Wozniak, one of the founders of Apple, gave a homely chat to a spellbound audience of local and European wonks.

The Economist

As the Alexandra turned back to port, Sir Robert was spellbound by the brilliant whiteness of the light he was watching.

The Economist

As America launched its bombardment of Afghanistan, television viewers across the Muslim world watched spellbound as Mr bin Laden made a rousing call for holy war.

The Economist

The place was the London School of Economics, where for 24 years Mr Halliday was professor of international politics, concentrating on the Middle East.Yet for close on 90 minutes he held his audience spellbound.

The Economist

In 2008 Americans chose a charismatic leftish senator who spellbound them with his rhetoric; in 2012, with reform of their government a priority, they might choose a conservative pragmatist who has met a payroll.The Republicans' first problem is Sarah Palin.

The Economist

America's former vice-president then sat spellbound through the remainder of her speech.

The Economist

When Franklin Roosevelt opened the Hoover dam in 1935, he was spellbound: "I came, I saw, and I was conquered".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spellbound" to describe a state of intense fascination or enchantment, often implying a magical or irresistible quality.

Common error

Avoid using "spellbound" to describe mild interest or appreciation. Reserve it for situations where the fascination is truly captivating and profound.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "spellbound" primarily functions to describe a state of being completely fascinated or entranced, often suggesting a magical quality. Ludwig provides numerous examples where individuals or audiences are described as "spellbound" by performances, speakers, or experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "spellbound" is a versatile adjective used to describe a state of intense fascination or enchantment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While it's suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's best reserved for situations where the captivation is truly profound. Consider alternatives like "entranced" or "captivated" for different nuances. Remember to avoid overusing "spellbound" in mundane contexts to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entranced

Implies a state of being completely captivated, often by beauty or wonder.

captivated

Suggests a strong attraction and holding of attention.

fascinated

Indicates a keen interest and absorption in something.

mesmerized

Implies a hypnotic or trance-like state of captivation.

enchanted

Suggests a magical or delightful captivation.

enthralled

Implies a state of being completely captivated and delighted.

transfixed

Suggests being motionless and fixated, as if frozen in place.

riveted

Implies being firmly fixed or fastened, unable to look away.

hooked

Suggests a strong addiction or attachment, often used informally.

gripped

Implies being seized or held tightly, often due to suspense or excitement.

FAQs

How can I use "spellbound" in a sentence?

You can use "spellbound" to describe someone who is completely fascinated or entranced by something. For example, "The audience was "spellbound" by the performance."

What is a good alternative to "spellbound"?

Alternatives include "entranced", "captivated", or "fascinated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "spellbound" and "mesmerized"?

"Spellbound" implies a magical or irresistible captivation, while "mesmerized" suggests a hypnotic or trance-like state. The former often carries a sense of wonder, the latter a sense of being controlled.

When is it appropriate to use "spellbound"?

Use "spellbound" when describing a state of intense fascination, enchantment, or being completely captivated by something, suggesting a powerful and almost magical effect.