Pronunciation: [hˈɛld spˈɛlba͡ʊnd] (IPA) 
The phrase "held spellbound" refers to being captivated or entranced by something. In phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /hɛld spɛlbaʊnd/. The "h" is pronounced like the "h" in "hello," the "e" in "held" is pronounced as a short "e," and the "d" at the end is silent. The word "spellbound" is pronounced with stress on the first syllable, with the "e" pronounced as a short "e" and the "o" as a long "o."
"Held spellbound" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a state of being captivated, mesmerized, or entranced by something or someone to the point where one is unable to move, think, or divert their attention away. This phrase describes a powerful and often involuntary response to an awe-inspiring or hypnotic experience that holds the individual's complete focus and leaves them in a state of wonder or astonishment.
When a person is held spellbound, they are so engrossed in a particular moment or situation that they become temporarily paralyzed figuratively, as if under the influence of a magical spell. This state can be induced by a variety of factors, such as witnessing an extraordinary performance, experiencing a breathtaking natural phenomenon, listening to a compelling story, or experiencing intense emotions like love or fear.
The term "held spellbound" suggests that the individual is being controlled or influenced by an external force, as if the spell has been cast upon them by another entity or by the sheer power of the captivating stimulus itself. This expression often conveys a sense of powerlessness, as the person's attention and emotions are held captive, preventing any other thoughts or actions from arising.
In summary, being held spellbound implies a state of complete absorption and fascination, where one is temporarily enthralled and unable to break free from the captivating influence of a particular person, event, or experience.
The term "held spellbound" is composed of two main elements: "held" and "spellbound".
1. "Held": The word "held" is the past participle form of the verb "hold". It originated from the Old English word "healdan", meaning "to hold, grasp, keep, possess", derived from the Proto-Germanic "haldanan".
2. "Spellbound": "Spellbound" is an adjective formed from two words: "spell" and "bound".
- "Spell": The word "spell" has its roots in Old English "spellian", which means "to talk, declare, tell". In Old English, it was also used to refer to reciting or singing charms or magic formulas.
