charm Hear it!

Jump To: synonymsSynonyms · examplesUsage Examples · quotesQuotes · linkLink/Cite
Also found in: idiomsAH Idiom Dictionary
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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

idioms charm idiom

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

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.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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.

Adjective modifier

  • rustic: You have been warned: Rustic charms come in many guises!

Modifies a noun

  • offensive: One U.S. official called it a " charm offensive.

Noun used with modifier

  • worlde: While most properties within the group have an olde worlde charm, neither of them feels outdated or stuffy.
charm usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

charm quotes

Charm never made a rooster.

-Acheson, Dean Gooderham

   Conceit spoils the finest genius†and the great charm of all power is modesty.

-Alcott, Louisa May

Charm†it's a sort of a bloom on a woman.If you have it, you don't need to have anything else; and if you don't have it, it doesn't much matter what else you have.

-Barrie, SirJ(ames) M(atthew)

charm quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Link to this page:

Cite this page:

MLA Style

"charm." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/charm>

APA Style

charm. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/charm

Comments:

Please or Register to post a comment