v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Spellbound p. pr. & vb. n. Spellbinding. ] To bind or hold by, or as if by, a spell or charm; to entrance or fascinate, esp. by eloquence of speech, as in a political campaign. -- Spell"bind`er n. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
(v) to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe, Syn. spellbind, transfix, grip, Example:The snake charmer fascinates the cobra
(adj) attracting and holding interest as if by a spell, Syn. spellbinding, mesmeric, mesmerizing, Example:read the bedtime story in a hypnotic voice; she had a warm mesmeric charm; the sheer force of his presence was mesmerizing; a spellbinding description of life in ancient Rome