enthralling
UK[ɪnˈθrɔːlɪŋ]US[ɪnˈθrɑːlɪŋ]
adj
capturing and holding one's complete attention as if by magic; fascinating.
Morpheme Breakdown
en
thrall
ing
en
to put into, to cause to be,
thrall
slave, servant.
ing
Etymology
the word 'enthralling' originates from the verb 'enthrall,' which literally meant "to enslave." it is formed from the prefix 'en-', meaning "to put into a state," and the old norse noun 'þræll', meaning "slave." the concept evolved from the physical act of making someone a thrall or slave to the metaphorical sense of captivating someone's mind and attention so completely that they are held in a state of mental servitude. the modern adjective 'enthralling' thus describes something so fascinating it completely dominates one's focus, retaining the core idea of powerful, almost involuntary, captivation from its literal roots.
Analysis
Structure: en + thrall + ing
en: from old english 'en-', a prefix meaning "to put into, to cause to be," of germanic origin.
thrall: from old norse 'þræll', meaning "slave, servant."
ing: from old english '-ende', a suffix forming the present participle of verbs, used here to create an adjective.
Examples
the documentary about deep-sea creatures was absolutely enthralling.
she told an enthralling story that kept the children silent for an hour.
the pianist gave an enthralling performance that received a standing ovation.