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spell

spell

626 8.2
Words believed to give someone magic power or make them unable to think clearly
  • noun
  • /spɛl/
  • Literature
translation icon : hechizo
  • We can get them back if we break the spell by rescuing Jaunty.
  • cast spells
  • magic spell
  • break the spell

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Examples

  • Indeed, I did fall under her spell.

  • I mean, it's like he cast a spell over the entire area.

  • You have to believe in the spell for it to take hold.

  • But not all of the effects of the spell are gone.

  • When do we know if the spell worked?

  • I've never cast a spell of enchantment this powerful.

  • Conjuring up fish had them awestruck, and that was a spell a child could perform.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • I have collected magical spells used for healing, for example, in the Misima language.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The magician recited a few words and cast a spell that filled the room with sparkling lights.

  • After drinking the potion, she felt as if she had fallen under a spell of enchantment.

Synonyms

charm
vsspell
  • Literature
75 8.2

A word or verse spoken as a magic spell

often also refers to a lasting state of attractive influence
trance
vsspell
60 7.1

A state when a person is not fully aware and cannot control their actions

is mainly about the words or formula rather than only the state
incantation
vsspell
  • Literature
26 8.8

Words or sounds that someone says in a ritual to try to make magic happen

also means the resulting state rather than only the chant
enchantment
vsspell
  • Literature
14 7.7

A magic spell put on a person or thing

can also mean the period of being under that influence
magic spell
vsspell
11 5.2

Words people say or write to make magic happen

also covers a period of being under that influence
magical spell
vsspell
1 5.8

Words said by a witch or wizard to make something happen

also denotes the state someone may be placed into by such words
cantrip
vsspell
  • Jargon
1 9.9

A small magic spell that makes simple, harmless effects like making a candle flicker

typically contrasts by covering both formula and the resulting state
bewitchment
vsspell
9.5

A state when a magical spell controls someone

is broader, as it also denotes the verbal formula that causes it
9.3

A time when someone or something seems controlled by magic

is the general term that can mean formula or such a period

Antonyms

1.4

The way things really are, not how we imagine or wish

A feeling of disappointment you have after you learn something is not as good as you thought

Idioms

Very fascinated and unable to control your actions or feelings

Compounds

15 3.6

A period with little or no rain that can mean a time without success

11 5.2

Words people say or write to make magic happen

1 3.5

A short period of unusually cold weather

Words said by a witch or wizard to make something happen

spell-checker
  • Specialized
1 2.8

A program that shows spelling mistakes in text

1 3.5

A period of several days with much hotter weather than usual

A short time to rest from work or trouble

cold spell
  • Jargon
8.1

A magic power that makes very cold air and freezes people or things

A short time when you feel weak, faint, or very low

A time when someone or something seems controlled by magic

How Powerful

curse
  • Literature
262 5.5
spell
  • Literature
626 8.2
enchantment
  • Literature
14 7.7

Surface Forms

spell singular
spells plural

Etymology

Spell for magic comes from the same old idea of a special 'saying' that has power, so a magical 'spell' is a powerful set of words that can put someone under its influence.