To fill someone with great delight or charm, as if by magic. It can also mean to place a magical spell on someone or something.
From Old French *enchanter*, from Latin *incantare* meaning 'to chant a magic spell.' The root *cantare* means 'to sing,' linking enchantment with spoken or sung words. Over time, the magical sense widened into strong emotional charm.
To 'enchant' someone is originally to sing magic into them. Even today, people talk about a 'spellbinding' performance or a 'charming' voice. Our language still treats deep attention and joy as a kind of everyday magic.
Historically, 'enchant' is tied to notions of magic and charm, often gendered through stereotypes of 'enchanting' women whose value is reduced to attractiveness or seduction. Literature and advertising have used it to frame women as objects of visual or romantic appeal rather than as full agents.
Use it for experiences, ideas, or environments rather than only for physical appearance, and avoid reinforcing stereotypes that women or girls are 'enchanting' primarily because of looks.
["captivate","delight","fascinate"]
When discussing 'enchanting' work or performances, explicitly recognize the skill, creativity, and labor—often by women—that produces that effect, not just the surface charm.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.