Beguile

/bɪˈɡaɪl/ verb

To charm or enchant in a deceptive way; to trick or deceive through cunning or charm. Can also mean to help time pass pleasantly or to divert attention from something unpleasant.

From Middle English, combining 'be-' (intensive prefix) with 'guile' (deceit or cunning). Originally meant 'to deceive by guile,' but evolved to include the sense of charming entertainment that makes time pass quickly.

📖 Full word page — etymology, 47 translations, audio 🔑 Get Free API Key — 50 lookups/day 📚 Read the Docs — integrate Word Orb