enthrall
/ɪnˈθɹɔːl/verb
To capture someone's full attention as if by magic; to fascinate or charm completely.
Example sentences
- “The magician enthralled the audience for the entire two-hour show.”
- “Her stories about life in Antarctica enthralled the children.”
Its grim root meaning was to enslave; modern use keeps only the captivation. Usually passive: enthralled by a performance.