spellbound
SPEHL-bownd
Spellbound (adj) means So fascinated or captivated that you can't look away, as if under a magic spell. Example: “The audience sat spellbound throughout the entire performance.”
adj
1
So fascinated or captivated that you can't look away, as if under a magic spell.
"The story left the children spellbound."
"The audience sat spellbound throughout the entire performance."
"The children were spellbound by the magician's tricks."
How to use spellbound
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCompletely captivated, unable to look away.
Common pairings
hold someone spellbound
sit spellbound
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like spellbound.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more spellbound
- Superlative
- most spellbound
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The audience sat _____ throughout the entire performance.
Etymology
From "spell" (magic charm) plus "bound" (held, tied).
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for spellbound
See all rhymes for spellbound →Frequently asked questions
What does “spellbound” mean?
The word “spellbound” means so fascinated or captivated that you can't look away, as if under a magic spell. In plain terms, completely captivated, unable to look away.
How do you pronounce “spellbound”?
“Spellbound” is pronounced SPEHL-bownd (/ˈspɛlˌbaʊnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “spellbound” in a sentence?
Here is “spellbound” used in a sentence: “The audience sat spellbound throughout the entire performance.”
What part of speech is “spellbound”?
“Spellbound” is an adjective.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include spellbound:
