WordGarden.ioenrapture
C2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ɛnˈræptʃər/
Meanings
Verb
to fill someone with intense delight or fascination
Beyond the definition
To enrapture someone is to fill them with such strong delight or wonder that they can hardly look away. A beautiful sunset might do this to a traveler, and a powerful story can do the same to a reader. It is more than simply liking something; it is being fully caught up in its beauty or force. Think of a child watching a magician's trick with wide eyes, completely absorbed by what they see.
The word suggests deep, joyful absorption. You might say a musician "enraptured the audience" with a performance, meaning everyone was held in full attention. It is not just used for art or entertainment; someone can also feel this way about an idea, a place, or a person. In romantic writing, it often points to love or admiration so strong that it seems to sweep everything else aside.
The word enrapture means to fill someone with great delight, wonder, or joy; to captivate completely. It suggests an experience that is deeply absorbing and transports you beyond everyday concerns. For example: "The music enraptured the audience, holding them spellbound for hours," or "She was enraptured by the beauty of the ancient ruins."
Enrapture implies a level of fascination that goes beyond simple enjoyment. It's about being utterly captivated and losing yourself in something—whether it's art, nature, music, or another person. Think of gazing at a starry night sky and feeling completely lost in its vastness; that is the kind of experience that can enrapture you.
The word has roots suggesting "to seize" or "to carry away," hinting at the powerful hold something enrapturing has on your attention and emotions. It's often used to describe experiences that are transcendent, inspiring awe and wonder.
While it's a relatively formal word, enrapture adds a touch of poetic beauty when describing moments of intense joy or fascination. You wouldn't say you were "enraptured" by your morning coffee—but you might say you were enraptured by the breathtaking view from a mountaintop.
So, if something truly captures your heart and mind, leaving you utterly spellbound, it has enraptured you.
Examples
- 1
Music performance
The violinist's performance enraptured the crowd.
- 2
Storytelling
The guide enraptured visitors with stories about the old city.
- Patternenrapture someone with + thing
delight or fascinate someone by using it
- 3
Natural wonder
We sat enraptured by the northern lights for nearly an hour.
- Patternbe enraptured by + sight/experience
feel delighted or fascinated because of it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- be enraptured by
- enraptured audience
- enraptured by music
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- enraptureverb
Forms
- enrapturedpast tenseverb
- enrapturing-ing formverb
- enrapturesverb