Meaning

Words or a formula supposed to have magical powers..

Definitions by Sense

1. Words or a formula supposed to have magical powers.
2. A magical effect or influence induced by an incantation or formula.
3. (obsolete) Speech, discourse.
4. To put under the influence of a spell; to affect by a spell; to bewitch; to fascinate; to charm.
5. (intransitive, transitive, sometimes with “out”) To write or say the letters that form a word or part of a word.
6. (transitive, obsolete) To read (something) as though letter by letter; to peruse slowly or with effort.
7. (transitive) Of letters: to compose (a word).
8. (transitive, figuratively, with “out”) To clarify; to explain in detail.

Example Sentences

He cast a spell to cure warts.

under a spell

Skies are not so black / Mary took me back / Mary has broken your spell

I believe your love has placed its spell on me

1697, John Dryden (translator), Georgics, Book 3 in The Works of Virgil, London: Jacob Tonson, p. 109, lines 444-446, This, gather’d in the Planetary Hour, With noxious Weeds, and spell’d with Words of pow’r Dire Stepdames in the Magick Bowl infuse;

Vnchaine your spirits now with spelling Charmes,

[…] although the Kings Jealousie was thus particular to her, his Affection was as general to others […] Above all, for a time he was much speld with Elianor Talbot […]

But when, O Wells! thy roses came to me My sense with their deliciousness was spell’d:

Word Forms

• spells
• spelling
• spelled
• spelt

Synonyms for spell

Antonyms for spell

Related Words

When Should You Use Spell?

Use spell when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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