First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1charm
noun \ˈchärm\
: something that is believed to have magic powers and especially to prevent bad luck
: a small object that is worn on a chain or bracelet
: a quality that causes someone or something to be very likeable : an attractive quality
Full Definition of CHARM
1
a : the chanting or reciting of a magic spell : incantation b : a practice or expression believed to have magic power
2
: something worn about the person to ward off evil or ensure good fortune : amulet
3
a : a trait that fascinates, allures, or delights b : a physical grace or attraction —used in plural <her feminine charms> c : compelling attractiveness <the island possessed great charm>
4
: a small ornament worn on a bracelet or chain
5
: a fundamental quark that has an electric charge of +2⁄3 and a measured energy of approximately 1.5 GeV; also : the flavor characterizing this particle
— charm·less \-ləs\ adjective
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Origin of CHARM
Middle English charme, from Anglo-French, from Latin carmen song, from canere to sing — more at chant
Related to CHARM
2charm
verb
: to put a spell on (someone or something)
: to cause (someone) to like you or to do what you want by being nice, friendly, etc.
: to attract (someone) by being beautiful or welcoming
Full Definition of CHARM
transitive verb
1
a : to affect by or as if by magic : compel b : to please, soothe, or delight by compelling attraction <charms customers with his suave manner>
2
: to endow with or as if with supernatural powers by means of charms; also : to protect by or as if by spells, charms, or supernatural influences
3
: to control (an animal) typically by charms (as the playing of music) <charm a snake>
intransitive verb
1
: to practice magic and enchantment
See charm defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CHARM
14th century
Related to CHARM
Synonym Discussion of CHARM
attract, allure, charm, captivate, fascinate, enchant mean to draw another by exerting a powerful influence. attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another <students attracted by the school's locale>. allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive <an alluring smile>. charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response <charmed by their hospitality>, but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration <her performances captivated audiences>. fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist <a story that continues to fascinate children>. enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject <hopelessly enchanted by her beauty>.
CHARM Defined for Kids
1charm
noun \ˈchärm\
Definition of CHARM for Kids
1
: an action, word, or phrase believed to have magic powers
2
: something believed to keep away evil and bring good luck
3
: a small decorative object worn on a chain or bracelet
4
: a quality that attracts and pleases
2charm
verb
charmedcharm·ing
Definition of CHARM for Kids
1
: to affect or influence by or as if by a magic spell <He charmed the group into supporting him.>
2
3
: to attract by being graceful, beautiful, or welcoming <I was charmed by the countryside.>
4
: to protect by or as if by a charm <She leads a charmed life.>
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