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Webster 1913 Edition

Bewitch

Be-witch′

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Bewitched
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Bewitching
.]
1.
To gain an ascendency over by charms or incantations; to affect (esp. to injure) by witchcraft or sorcery.
See how I am
bewitched
; behold, mine arm
Is like a blasted sapling withered up.
Shakespeare
2.
To charm; to fascinate; to please to such a degree as to take away the power of resistance; to enchant.
The charms of poetry our souls
bewitch
.
Dryden.
Syn. – To enchant; captivate; charm; entrance.

Webster 1828 Edition

Bewitch

BEWITCH'

,
Verb.
T.
[be and witch.] To fascinate; to gain an ascendancy over by charms or incantation; an operation which was formerly supposed to injure the person bewitched, so that he lost his flesh, or behaved in a strange unaccountable manner; ignorant people being inclined to ascribe to evil spirits what they could not account for.
Look, how I am bewitched; behold, mine arm
Is like a blasted sapling withered up.
1.
To charm; to fascinate; to please to such a degree as to take away the power of resistance.
The charms of poetry our souls bewitch.
2.
To deceive and mislead by juggling tricks or imposter. Acts 8.9.

Definition 2024

bewitch

bewitch

English

Verb

bewitch ‎(third-person singular simple present bewitches, present participle bewitching, simple past and past participle bewitched)

  1. to cast a spell on someone or something
  2. to astonish, amaze

Synonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Etymology

From Middle English bewicchen, equivalent to be- +‎ witch.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /bɪˈwɪtʃ/
  • Rhymes: -ɪtʃ

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