to charm or enchant someone, often in a deceptive way
example
The magician's tricks would beguile the audience, making them believe in magic.
synonyms
charmdeceiveenthrall
word origin — From Middle English 'beguile', from Old French 'beguiler', from 'be-' (completely) + 'guiler' (to deceive).
beguile, doff, mar, traverse, conscript: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 37. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
beguile · verb/bɪˈɡaɪl/
to charm or enchant someone, often in a deceptive way
The magician's tricks would beguile the audience, making them believe in magic.
Synonyms: charm, deceive, enthrall
Origin: From Middle English 'beguile', from Old French 'beguiler', from 'be-' (completely) + 'guiler' (to deceive).
doff · verb/dɔf/
to remove or take off an article of clothing
He will doff his hat when he enters the room.
Synonyms: remove, take off
Origin: From Middle English 'doffen', which is a combination of 'do' and 'off'.
mar · verb/mɑr/
to damage or spoil to a certain extent
The rain began to mar the beautiful painting we were working on.
Synonyms: damage, spoil, ruin
Origin: Middle English, from the Old English 'merran' meaning to damage or injure
traverse · verb/trəˈvɜrs/
to travel across or through
We need to traverse the forest to reach the other side.
Synonyms: cross, pass, travel
Origin: from Middle English 'traversen', from Old French 'traverser', from Latin 'traversare', meaning 'to turn across'.
conscript · verb/kənˈskrɪpt/
to enlist someone compulsorily, often into the military service
The government decided to conscript young men for military service during the war.
Synonyms: draft, enlist, recruit
Origin: from Latin 'conscriptere', meaning 'to write together'