spell
UK: /spɛl/ | US: /spɛl/
n. a spoken or written form of words believed to have magical power
n. a short period of time (e.g., "a cold spell")
vt. to name or write the letters of a word in order
vt. to signify or lead to a particular result (e.g., "this spells trouble")
The word "spell" originates from Old English spell, meaning "speech, story, or message." Its magical sense emerged from the idea of spoken incantations or charms. The verb form (to name letters) evolved later, influenced by the notion of "deciphering words." The temporal meaning ("a spell of weather") derives from the idea of a "period" marked by specific conditions, metaphorically extending the word's narrative roots.
The witch cast a spell to protect the village.
He couldn't spell the word "necessary" correctly.
A dry spell ruined the farmers' crops.
Her silence spelled disappointment.
Children learn to spell simple words in first grade.