Enamorate

/ɪˈnæm.ə.reɪt/ verb

Definition

To make someone enamored; to inspire love or deep affection in someone (archaic or rare usage).

Etymology

From enamorado or Spanish 'enamorar' + -ate (verb suffix). This is a back-formation from the Spanish adjective, creating an English verb. Very rare in modern English, appearing mostly in historical or literary texts.

Kelly Says

Enamorate is so archaic that most modern spell-checkers don't recognize it—it was used in 16th-17th century English literature but fell out of favor, replaced by simpler verbs like 'enamor' and 'enchant.'

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