charm Hear it!

charm Definition

charm (c̸härm)

noun

    1. a chanted word, phrase, or verse assumed to have magic power to help or hurt; incantation
    2. the chanting of such a word, phrase, or verse
  2. any object assumed to have such power, as an amulet or talisman
  3. any trinket worn as a decoration on a bracelet, necklace, watch chain, etc.
  4. any action or gesture assumed to have magic power
  5. a quality or feature in someone or something that attracts or delights people
  6. Particle Physics an individuating property of quarks and other elementary particles: it is expressed as a quantum number, with +1 used of a particle that has charm (charmed particle) and 0 used of one that does not

Etymology: ME charme < OFr < L carmen, song, verse, charm < *canmen < canere, to sing: see chant

transitive verb

  1. to act on as though by magic; seemingly cast a spell on
  2. to protect from harm as though by magic
  3. to attract or please greatly; enchant; allure; fascinate; delight

intransitive verb

  1. to practice magic
  2. to be charming; please greatly

charm Synonyms

charm

n.

  1. The quality of being charming

    grace, attractiveness, attraction, winsomeness; see appeal 3, beauty 1.

  2. An object thought to possess power

    amulet, talisman, fetish, mascot, good-luck piece, lucky piece, rabbit's foot, madstone.

    Antonyms hoodoo, curse*, bad genius.

  3. An incantation

    spell, bewitchery, enchantment, sorcery; see magic 1.

charm Synonyms

charm

v.

  1. To bewitch

    enchant, captivate, enthrall, possess, enrapture, transport, entrance, vamp, mesmerize, put a spell on, spellbind, voodoo; see also attract 2, fascinate, hypnotize 1.

  2. To delight

    please, beguile, win over; see entertain 1. See syn. study at attract.

charm Usage Examples

Object

pant: There is also, of course, Paolo's winsome demeanor which undoubtedly charms the pants of people wherever he wanders.

Converse of object

  • exude: Wapping, however, exudes an old Elizabethan charm; with its cobbled streets and listed buildings.
  • ooze: The historic, listed building dates back to 1423, and inside boasts original beams and sloping floors, oozing charm.
  • retain: We must be very careful to retain that charm.
  • lend: The sand is superb and there are a great number of sand dunes which lend unique charm to the place.
  • combine: Cottage: Old world charm combined with modern comfort.
  • boast: You are staying at Vizzavona where our hotel boasts a fine charm especially in its cuisine and decor.

Adjective modifier

  • rustic: You have been warned: Rustic charms come in many guises!
  • old-world: It has invested in all the modern equipment for a modern resort but has maintained its old-world charm.
  • olde: They retain much of the olde world charm you would expect from that era.
  • boyish: Boyish charm has combined with an uncommon worldliness to complement his impeccable musicianship.
  • Gallic: Market's Gallic charms Channel isle airport plans fail to.. .
  • lucky: Have we turned God into a football lucky charm?

Modifies a noun

  • offensive: One U.S. official called it a " charm offensive.
  • quark: How was the theory extended to include the charm quark?

Noun used with modifier

  • worlde: While most properties within the group have an olde worlde charm, neither of them feels outdated or stuffy.
  • pewter: Thankyou wine glass charms - Gold or silver tone high quality pewter wine glass charm carrying 4 Swarovski crystals in your choice of colors.
  • ouzes: Once an aristocratic private mansion for the late The Queen Mother's Family, this hotel ouzes charm and grace.
  • laid-back: The Main River flows east-west through the city, separating the north bank's skyscrapers and bustle from the south's more laid-back charms.
  • luck: Last time we played here England won the football, so I can only assume the combination is some kind of good luck charm.