attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.
students attracted by the school's locale
allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.
an alluring smile
charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response
charmed by their hospitality
, but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration.
her performances captivated audiences
fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.
a story that continues to fascinate children
enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject.
hopelessly enchanted by her beauty
Example Sentences
The book has enchanted children for almost a century. The beauty of the place enchants.
Recent Examples on the WebFrom fencing and fighting to true love and miracles, The Princess Bride will enchant the crowd at the open-air Rady Shell at Jacobs Park at 7:30 p.m. Friday with the tale of the maiden, Buttercup, and her one true love, a farmer named Westley.San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2022 The Internet has exposed people to the Patterson’s and Gimlin’s journey in ways unimaginable to Gimlin, and continues to enchant new generations of believers. Leah Sottile, Outside Online, 5 July 2016 The birds that survived the transition came to enchant the Scottish public with their antics. Eliot Schrefer, Washington Post, 30 June 2022 The Magical Earth Retreat just outside of Hocking Hills State Park offers four underground properties sure to enchant and delight. Emily Deletter, The Enquirer, 24 June 2022 Opening this latest Fox date is the War and Treaty, the Michigan husband-wife duo who enchant with their organic R&B. Brian Mccollum, Detroit Free Press, 28 Mar. 2022 Ivy Getty is no stranger to high fashion—see her wedding for further proof—but still, the magic of Paris Fashion Week can enchant even the most jaded among us. Sarah Spellings, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2022 Perhaps the most quintessential escape for New Yorkers, the Catskill Mountains are a stunning series of rolling, forested hills ready to enchant you with big vistas and quirky mountain towns. Emily Pennington, Outside Online, 26 Aug. 2021 If the location of Four Seasons Resort Maui doesn’t enchant enough, the artwork certainly will. Beck Bamberger, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2021 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French enchanter, from Latin incantare, from in- + cantare to sing — more at chant