enchantment
UK: ɪnˈtʃɑːntmənt | US: ɪnˈtʃæntmənt
n. a feeling of great pleasure or delight; magical charm
n. the use of magic or spells
n. something that captivates or fascinates
enchantment = en<in, into> + chant<sing> + ment<noun suffix>
- en<in, into>: From Latin in-, meaning "in" or "into," often used to intensify or transform the root's meaning.
- chant<sing>: From Latin cantare (to sing), evolving into Old French chanter, referring to singing or incantations.
- ment<noun suffix>: From Latin -mentum, forming nouns indicating an action or resulting state.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin incantare (to chant spells), combining in- (intensifier) and cantare (to sing). In Old French, it became enchanter, referring to magical singing or spellcasting. By Middle English, "enchantment" emerged, retaining the dual sense of magical influence and captivating delight. The progression reflects how vocal incantations were historically tied to magic and charm.
The fairy’s enchantment filled the forest with an eerie glow.
She felt an enchantment as she wandered through the ancient ruins.
The wizard’s enchantment turned the frog into a prince.
The book’s enchantment kept readers hooked until dawn.
His voice held a strange enchantment, making everyone pause to listen.