To enthrall means to capture someone's complete attention in a way that makes them almost forget everything else around them. When a storyteller enthralls an audience, listeners lean forward, eyes wide, hanging on every word. When a book enthralls you, hours pass without you noticing because you're so absorbed in the story.

The word suggests something more powerful than just being interested. A math problem might interest you, but a thrilling mystery novel enthralls you. You might enjoy a good song, but a spectacular magic show enthralls you. When you're truly enthralled, you're so captivated that you almost feel transported somewhere else.

You might hear someone describe an enthralling performance or an enthralling speaker, someone whose presence or words seem to cast a spell over everyone watching or listening. Directors want their films to enthrall audiences so completely that no one checks their watch or whispers to their neighbor.