enthrall - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
enthrall Word Meanings
- to captivate someone's attention completely
- to enchant or charm
- to hold someone in great interest
enthrall Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
enthrall Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈθrɔːl/
US
/ɪnˈθrɔl/
enthrall Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'en-' (to cause) + 'thrall' (to hold in servitude). Historical origin: from Old English 'enthrallan', from Latin 'in' (in) + 'thrall' (to be in someone's power). Memory image: Imagine a mesmerizing performance that captivates the audience, gripping them as if they were held spellbound by an invisible force.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Enthrall means to captivate someone’s attention completely. It describes a moment, performance, story, or scene that holds listeners or readers spellbound from start to finish. You enthrall someone, or you can describe a thing as enthralling; common collocations include enthrall the audience, be enthralled by a tale, or an enthralling presentation. The verb is used in formal or literary contexts, with the past tense spelled enthralled. The related noun is enthrallment and the adjective is enthralling. Etymology links en- (to cause) and thrall (to be under someone’s power). A vivid memory image is a mesmerizing performance gripping the crowd as if under an invisible force. Learners often confuse it with fascinate or captivate; remember the sense of overpowering engagement.
Usage Reminders
- Use with people or groups as the object
- Enthrall is transitive, not used in the sense of 'be enthralling' without a subject
- Pair with audiences or listeners: enthrall the audience / be enthralled by a tale
- The noun is enthrallment; the adjective is enthralling
- Past tense: enthralled; present participle: enthralling
- Avoid casual or everyday substitutes in formal prose
Common Misconceptions
- It is the same as fascinate or captivate; incorrect nuance: enthrall implies a stronger, more controlling hold.
- It cannot be used with inanimate objects; while rare, you can enthrall a scene or display, but the focus is on the people watching.
- The verb cannot be used in passive form; you can say 'I was enthralled' (past participle).
- It only appears in literary contexts; it actually appears in formal journalism and criticism too.
- Confusing its past tense; remember 'enthralled' (UK/US both common) vs 'enthralled' vs 'enthralling' as adjective.
Thinking Differences
Entail strong, lasting hold on attention; English speakers often choose enthrall for dramatic effect, unlike simpler verbs like fascinate.
Learning Tips
- Learn the base form enthrall sb with sth
- Use enthralling for things that strongly hold attention
- Past tense enthralled, present participle enthralling
- Contrast with fascinate and captivate to choose nuance
- Watch for formal/literary tone in writing
- Practice with audiences or readings to solidify collocations
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does 'enthrall' mean?
A.To confuse or mislead
B.To annoy or frustrate
C.To captivate or charm
D.To ignore or overlook
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'enthrall' correctly?
A.The movie did not enthrall the audience at all.
B.She tried to enthrall her friends with her excellent cooking.
C.The test seemed to enthrall everyone as they were bored.
D.They thought the lecture would enthrall the students, but they fell asleep.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'enthrall'?
A.Bore
B.Annoy
C.Fascinate
D.Dissuade
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'enthrall'?
A.Delight
B.Enthrall
C.Bore
D.Celebrate
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might use the word 'enthrall'?
A.The magician captivated everyone with his tricks.
B.Her storytelling ability seemed to enthrall all the children at the gathering.
C.The novel was so dull that no one finished it.
D.The lecture was informative but lacked excitement.
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