English Reference
Noun

enchantment

n.
C1 Advanced US /ɛnˈtʃæntmənt/ UK /ɛntʃˈɑːntmənt/ en·chant·ment UK spelling enchantments

n.a magical power that makes someone or something look or feel very attractive. It can also mean a state of being completely fascinated by something.

n.a magical power or spell that causes a person or thing to be under a spell of fascination or charm. Often used to describe a state of being deeply captivated by a situation or object.


SIMPLE

The forest was filled with a magical enchantment.

CONTEXTUAL

The children were under the spell of the magician's enchantment for the entire performance.

COMPLEX

The ancient ruins were said to be protected by a powerful enchantment that prevented any attempt to move or damage the stone structures.

Now, 175 years later, our photographs may be much more advanced but our enchantment with eclipses is as powerful as it always was.

Smithsonian Magazine· 28 Jul 2026

From Middle English enchauntement, from Old French enchantement.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French enchantement
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated