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Definition of spellbind

spellbind

/ˈspɛlbaɪnd/
spell · bind
Adverb:spellbindingly
•
Adjective:spellbound
•
Past Simple:spellbound
•
Past Participle:spellbound
•
Present Participle:spellbinding
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spellbind Lexical Profile

spellbind Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To hold the complete attention of someone as if by magic; to entrance or fascinate.

Example

"The master storyteller was able to spellbind the entire auditorium with tales of ancient maritime voyages."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for spellbind
Antonyms
View all antonyms for spellbind

Word Nuance & Usage

Although "spellbind" is a fully inflected verb, it is encountered far more frequently in its participial adjective forms, "spellbound" and "spellbinding," than in finite verb constructions.

• Rhymes for spellbind

• Nearby Words

speedy
spell
spellable
spellbind
spellbinding
spellbindingly
spellbound

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 19th century as a back-formation from the older adjective "spellbound" (attested since the 17th century), combining Old English "spell" (story, incantation) and "bindan" (to tie or fasten).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Spellbind. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/spellbind
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