spellbind

verb

spell·​bind ˈspel-ˌbīnd How to pronounce spellbind (audio)
spellbound ˈspel-ˌbau̇nd How to pronounce spellbind (audio) ; spellbinding

transitive verb

: to bind or hold by or as if by a spell

Examples of spellbind in a Sentence

the tale about pirates and their buried treasure had completely spellbound the children
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His low-voice tale was spellbinding, horrific, and heartbreaking. Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2025 Matching the huge magnitude of the show were spellbinding looks styled by Joseph Cassell Falconer. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2024 Palace’s run of seven games unbeaten at the end of the 2023-23 season under Glasner was special, borderline unbelievable, maybe even spellbinding, possibly magical. Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 For the purity of an enthralling contest which swung both ways and led you with it, the 3-3 draw with Liverpool in early December was spellbinding. George Caulkin, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for spellbind

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from spellbound

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spellbind was in 1808

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spellbind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spellbind. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

spellbind

verb
spell·​bind ˈspel-ˌbīnd How to pronounce spellbind (audio)
spellbound -ˌbau̇nd How to pronounce spellbind (audio) ; spellbinding
: to hold by or as if by a spell : fascinate
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!