bewitch

/bɪˈwɪtʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /bɪˈwɪtʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /bi-ˈwich bē-/ (ame, mw)

bewitch — verb

  • bewitchpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • bewitcheshe / she / it
  • bewitchedpast simple
  • bewitching-ing form

1. to charm someone so strongly that they stop judging things clearly.

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to charm someone so strongly that they stop judging things clearly.

例句

Jin was bewitched by the singer's calm voice and bright smile.

passive: be bewitched by + person/thing

At the night market, Elise felt bewitched by the lanterns and music.

pattern: feel bewitched by a scene

同義詞
  • charm

    broader and more common, often less intense

  • fascinate

    focuses on strong interest more than romantic or magical charm

  • captivate

    often suggests holding full attention in a striking way

  • enchant

    can sound lighter or more graceful than bewitch

反義詞
  • repel

    suggests pushing someone away instead of drawing them in

  • bore

    means failing to hold interest at all

文法句型

bewitch + object

be bewitched by + noun

用法筆記

Often used in passive descriptions of a person's beauty, charm, or atmosphere. Distinguish from sense 2, which refers to real magic rather than strong attraction.

常見錯誤

❌The singer bewitched to the crowd.
✅The singer bewitched the crowd.
💡the verb takes a direct object, not 'to'.

2. to use witchcraft to take control of a person, animal, or thing.

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to use witchcraft to take control of a person, animal, or thing.

例句

The witch bewitched Christopher and made him forget his own name.

bewitch + person under magical control

In the tale, Lara bewitched the guard dog before opening the gate.

同義詞
  • enchant

    often sounds less harmful and can also describe delight

  • hex

    more informal and usually stresses harmful magic

  • curse

    focuses on causing harm rather than controlling

反義詞
  • free

    suggests releasing someone from magical control

  • release

    focuses on ending the spell's hold

文法句型

bewitch + person

bewitch + object

用法筆記

Usually appears in fantasy stories or older descriptions of magic. Distinguish from sense 1, which is about powerful attraction without real witchcraft.

常見錯誤

❌The witch bewitched on the prince.
✅The witch bewitched the prince.
💡the verb directly takes the person or thing under the spell.