bewitch
UK[bɪˈwɪtʃ]US[bɪˈwɪtʃ]
v
to attract or interest someone so much that they cannot think about anything else
v
to use magic to put someone under a spell
Morpheme Breakdown
be
witch
be
witch
Etymology
the word bewitch is a middle english formation, combining the old english intensive prefix 'be-' with the noun 'wicce' (female witch) or 'wicca' (male witch). the prefix 'be-' here functions to create a verb meaning 'to affect as a witch does' or 'to enchant thoroughly.' the root 'witch' itself traces back to the old english 'wicca,' related to practices of magic and sorcery. thus, the literal sense of 'to be-witch' evolved from the concrete act of casting a magical spell to the modern, more figurative meaning of captivating someone utterly, as if by magic.
Analysis
Structure: be + witch
be- (old english, a prefix forming verbs with a sense of 'about, around, thoroughly'); witch (old english, a person, especially a woman, who practices magic or sorcery)
Examples
the beautiful scenery seemed to bewitch the travelers, making them forget all their worries.
in the old tale, the evil sorceress tried to bewitch the prince with a potion.
her performance was so mesmerizing it completely bewitched the audience.