under the spell of

USAGE SUMMARY

"under the spell of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in the context of a person or thing being in a state of enchantment or influence, usually from something magical or supernatural. For example, "The princess was under the spell of the wicked witch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Under the Spell of the Moon.

The Guardian

She is under the spell of the previous night's dream.

The New Yorker

Yvette is under the spell of the evil Von Epps.

The New Yorker

Almost immediately I fell under the spell of his music.

Independent

At first we are under the spell of America.

The New York Times - Books

He also came under the spell of the Minimalists.

The New Yorker

He is still under the spell of Yeltsin's greatness.

The New York Times - Magazine

A. I'm still under the spell of Stockholm.

The New York Times

More likely they were still under the spell of Dramamine.

The New York Times

Instead, Foot fell under the spell of the shipyard firebrands.

The Guardian

Is Sophie falling under the spell of the charismatic Jeanne?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under the spell of" to convey a strong sense of enchantment or influence, whether literal or figurative. For example, "The city was under the spell of the holidays."

Common error

Avoid using "under the spell of" in contexts where simple influence or persuasion is meant, unless you specifically want to imply a sense of magic or enchantment. Opt for phrases like "influenced by" or "affected by" for more neutral situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the spell of" functions as an idiomatic prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a state of being strongly influenced or enchanted, often suggesting a sense of captivation or enthrallment. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts to indicate a powerful influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under the spell of" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe a state of strong influence or enchantment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. The phrase is versatile, appearing in a variety of contexts, primarily in News & Media. While it carries a slightly evocative tone, it remains appropriate for neutral registers. Consider alternatives like "captivated by" or "enthralled by" to vary your expression, and be mindful of overusing the phrase literally. Overall, it is a useful and widely understood expression for conveying a powerful influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bewitched by

Similar to "under the spell of" but often suggests a stronger, almost magical effect.

enchanted by

Highlights the delightful and magical quality of the influence.

captivated by

Focuses more on the charming or attractive quality of the influencing entity.

charmed by

Conveys a sense of gentle and pleasing influence.

enthralled by

Emphasizes a feeling of fascination and being completely absorbed.

mesmerized by

Suggests a hypnotic or trance-like state of captivation.

fascinated by

Highlights intellectual interest and intrigue.

under the influence of

Suggests a more general sway, not necessarily positive or magical.

in thrall to

Indicates a state of being enslaved or controlled by something.

seduced by

Implies a deliberate enticement, often with a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "under the spell of" in a sentence?

You can use "under the spell of" to describe someone or something being strongly influenced or enchanted by something else. For example, "The audience was "captivated by" the performance" or "He was "seduced by" her charm".

What's a less dramatic alternative to "under the spell of"?

If you want to express influence without implying enchantment, consider alternatives such as "influenced by", "affected by", or "drawn to".

Is "under the spell of" only used for positive influences?

No, "under the spell of" can be used for both positive and negative influences. For example, someone might be "under the spell of a charismatic leader" (positive) or "under the influence of a dangerous ideology" (negative).

Can "under the spell of" be used for places or things as well as people?

Yes, "under the spell of" can describe the enchanting or captivating quality of a place or thing. For instance, "The city was "charmed by" the holiday season" or "The old house was "bewitched by" a sense of history".