beguile
UK: bɪˈɡaɪl | US: bɪˈɡaɪl
vt. to charm or deceive someone, often in a deceptive or cunning way
vt. to distract or divert attention pleasantly
be<thoroughly> + guile<deceit>
- be-: A prefix of Old English origin, intensifying the meaning of the root (here, "thoroughly").
- guile: From Old French guile (deceit), ultimately from Proto-Germanic wīlō (trickery).
Etymology Origin:
The word beguile emerged in Middle English (13th century), combining the intensifying prefix be- with guile, a term for deceit. Originally, it implied thorough deception or enchantment, often with a negative connotation. Over time, it softened to include harmless charm or distraction, though the undertone of trickery remains.
The salesman tried to beguile her with false promises.
The storyteller’s voice beguiled the children into silence.
She used humor to beguile her audience’s attention.
The magician’s tricks beguiled even the most skeptical viewers.
Don’t let his friendly manner beguile you—he’s hiding his true intentions.