entrancing
UK: ɪnˈtrɑːnsɪŋ | US: ɪnˈtrænsɪŋ
adj. captivating or delightful in a way that holds one's attention completely
vt. present participle of "entrance" (to fill with wonder or delight)
The word "entrancing" derives from the verb "entrance," which combines the prefix "en-" (meaning "into") with "trance" (a state of deep absorption or hypnosis). "Trance" itself originates from Old French transe (fear, dread), later evolving to mean a dazed or ecstatic state. The "-ing" suffix forms the present participle, turning the verb into an adjective describing something that induces a trance-like fascination. The progression reflects a shift from literal fear to metaphorical captivation.
The entrancing melody held the audience spellbound.
She wore an entrancing smile that lit up the room.
The dancer's movements were utterly entrancing.
The novel's entrancing plot kept me reading all night.
His entrancing storytelling made time seem to stand still.