PhrasesHub

Be enthralled

    Definitions

      • captivate or fascinate someone
        To hold someone's attention and interest in a strong and exciting way, often through a performance or experience

      • be deeply affected by something
        To be emotionally or intellectually impacted by something in a profound and intense manner, often leading to a strong and lasting impression

    Examples of Be enthralled

    • The audience was completely captivated by the electrifying performance of the renowned classical music ensemble. They were enthralled by the melodious symphony that the musicians skilfully rendered.

      The idiom "be enthralled' is used to describe the state of mind in which a person is completely absorbed, engaged or fascinated by something. In this example, the audience was mesmerised by the music, as they listened to the performance intently and were completely engrossed in the spellbinding music.

    • As the solar eclipse approached, the crowd gathered around the viewing area, eagerly anticipating the celestial spectacle. They were enthralled by the natural phenomenon that their eyes feasted upon.

      In this example, the idiom "be enthralled' is employed to convey that the people were kidnapped by the awe-inspiring sight of the solar eclipse. They were held captive by the incredible visual treat that the eclipse presented.

    • The students were mesmerised by the captivating lecture on the history of the universe, delivered by the renowned astrophysicist. They were completely enthralled by the professor's profound wisdom and insights about the universe.

      This example shows the usage of the idiom "be enthralled' with respect to an intellectual experience. The students were completely entranced by the lecture, and the depth of knowledge and comprehension imparted by the astrophysicist fixed them in his spell.

    • During the martial arts performance, the spectators were spellbound by the spellbinding display of expertise and grace, as the martial arts practitioners engaged in intense combat and left the audience enthralled.

      In this example, the idiom "be enthralled' is employed to express the surprise, amazement and pure delight that the spectators experienced during the martial arts performance. They were completely and utterly captivated and mesmerised by the display of martial arts prowess and skill.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "be enthralled" can be used in two distinct contexts, both related to being deeply affected by something. In the first meaning, it describes the act of captivating or fascinating someone, often through a performance or experience. In this sense, the idiom conveys a sense of being completely engrossed and mesmerized by something.

    In the second meaning, "be enthralled" is used to express the intense impact or effect that something has on an individual. This could refer to being emotionally moved or intellectually stimulated by a particular experience, idea, or person. It conveys a sense of being deeply affected and under the spell of something.

    Origin of "Be enthralled"

    The origin of the idiom "be enthralled" can be traced back to the 16th century, where it was derived from the Old English word "thrall," meaning to enslave or hold captive. In this context, being enthralled referred to being under the control or influence of someone or something.

    Over time, the meaning of the idiom evolved to include a sense of being captivated or fascinated by something in a positive way. This could be seen in literary works from the 17th and 18th centuries, where being enthralled was used to describe a state of being completely absorbed by something.

    Today, the idiom is commonly used in everyday language to express a strong and intense level of fascination or impact. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, and is a versatile phrase to convey a sense of being deeply affected by something.