"hold under spell" is a phrase that refers to the act of captivating or enchanting someone to the point where they become fully absorbed or entranced by someone or something, often resulting in a loss of control or rationality.
When someone or something holds another person under a spell, it metaphorically suggests that they possess an irresistible power over them, like a magical enchantment. It implies that the person under the spell is completely enthralled, often experiencing a sense of fascination, infatuation, or obsession that dominates their thoughts and actions. This state of being under a spell often results in the person being influenced or manipulated in various ways, as their judgment may become clouded or their ability to resist diminished.
To hold someone under a spell can also pertain to an intense emotional or psychological influence, where the person feels compelled to remain in a particular state or relationship, even if they are aware that it may not be beneficial for them. It can evoke feelings of powerlessness, dependency, or addiction, as the individual can find it difficult to break free from the hold that the spell has over them.
Overall, holding someone under a spell implies a strong, often magical, influence that captivates and controls someone's thoughts, emotions, or actions, leaving them entranced and vulnerable to manipulation or dependency.
