Spell - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT spell /spɛl/ /spɛl/ IPA guide

Other forms: spells; spelled

A spell is a series of words that has magical powers. If you’re under a spell, then what you do is out of your control — your thoughts and actions are dictated by the spell.

Spell can refer to the magic words you say, or it can describe being under the influence of those words. You probably don’t encounter many magic spells in real life, but the word is often used figuratively to describe those times when you feel like a magical power controls your action. Of course, this word can also mean the verb "to spell" which refers to reciting the letters in a word, like the competitive spellers in a spelling bee.

Definitions of spell

verb write or name the letters that comprise the conventionally accepted form of (a word or part of a word) “He spelled the word wrong in this letter” synonyms: write see moresee less types: spell out spell fully and without abbreviating hyphen, hyphenate divide or connect with a hyphen
verb orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of “"How do you spell this word?" "We had to spell out our names for the police officer” synonyms: spell out see moresee less types: misspell spell incorrectly type of: recite repeat aloud from memory
verb indicate or signify “I'm afraid this spells trouble!” synonyms: import see moresee less type of: intend, mean mean or intend to express or convey
noun a period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition “a spell of good weather” synonyms: bout, patch, piece, while see moresee less types: cold snap, cold spell a spell of cold weather hot spell a spell of hot weather snap a spell of cold weather type of: time an indefinite period (usually marked by specific attributes or activities)
noun a time for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else) “a spell of work” synonyms: go, tour, turn see moresee less type of: duty period, shift, work shift the time period during which you are at work
verb take turns working “the workers spell every four hours” see moresee less type of: alternate, take turns do something in turns
verb relieve (someone) from work by taking a turn “She spelled her husband at the wheel” see moresee less type of: relieve, take over free someone temporarily from his or her obligations
noun a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation synonyms: enchantment, trance see moresee less types: possession being controlled by passion or the supernatural captivation, fascination the state of being intensely interested (as by awe or terror) type of: mental condition, mental state, psychological condition, psychological state (psychology) a mental condition in which the qualities of a state are relatively constant even though the state itself may be dynamic
noun a verbal formula believed to have magical force “he whispered a spell as he moved his hands” synonyms: charm, magic spell, magical spell see moresee less types: conjuration, incantation a ritual recitation of words or sounds believed to have a magical effect curse, hex, jinx, whammy an evil spell invocation an incantation used in conjuring or summoning a devil type of: language, oral communication, speech, speech communication, spoken communication, spoken language, voice communication (language) communication by word of mouth
verb place under a spell see moresee less antonyms: unspell release from a spell type of: bewitch, enchant, ensorcel, ensorcell, glamour, hex, jinx, witch cast a spell over someone or something; put a hex on someone or something

Pronunciation US /spɛl/ UK /spɛl/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘spell'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing spell

Common Core Grade 5, List 7

Vocabulary is key to performing well on Common Core-aligned tests for English Language Arts as well as for building literacy in social studies, science, and technical subjects. This collection features common tier-2 words that are taught and tested at every grade level. These words are used in a variety of contexts, exhibit different shades of meaning based on those contexts, and appear commonly in classroom instruction and on standardized assessments. Here are links to our lists for the collection: List 1, List 2, List 3, List 4, List 5, List 6, List 7, List 8

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In this final book of the trilogy, eighth-grader Merci tries to prove that she is a cool soccer-playing teenager while juggling the responsibilities of school and home, which include assisting the guidance office and taking care of her sick grandfather and almost-seven-year-old twin cousins.

Just Right Jillian Nicole D. Collier

A fifth grader in Georgia, Jillian tries to keep the promise to her grandmother to believe in herself.

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