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1. To render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe
   "The snake charmer spellbinds the cobra"
   - fascinate, transfix, grip
    
2. Attract strongly, as if with a magnet
   - magnetize, mesmerize, mesmerise [Brit], magnetise [Brit], bewitch
    
3. Put into a trance
   - entrance

Derived forms: spellbinding, spellbinds, spellbound

See also: spellbinder

Type of: charm, hypnotise [Brit], hypnotize, influence, interest, mesmerise [Brit], mesmerize, tempt