The phrase "holding spellbound" is spelled with two main stress points: HOLD-ing and SPELL-bound. The first syllable in "holding" is pronounced with the ɔ sound as in "hot" and stress falls on the first syllable. In "spellbound," the 'e' in 'spell' is pronounced with the ɛ sound as in "tell" and stress falls on the second syllable. Together, the phrase is pronounced hol-ding spell-bound. It refers to a mesmerizing or captivating experience that leaves one entranced or fascinated.
"Holding spellbound" is a phrase used to describe a state in which someone is completely captivated, enraptured, or enthralled by something. When a person is held spellbound, their attention is completely focused on the object, person, or situation before them, rendering them unable to break away or divert their attention elsewhere. This phrase indicates a level of intensity or fascination that renders individuals momentarily in a trance-like state, as if under an enchantment or hypnotic spell.
Being held spellbound often implies a sense of awe, wonder, or sheer admiration. It describes an experience where one's senses are overwhelmed, their thoughts consumed, and their emotions stirred by something inexplicably captivating. It could be an enthralling performance, a mesmerizing piece of art, an intriguing story, or an enchanting individual whose presence fully absorbs and captivates the beholder.
The phrase conveys both a mental and emotional grip, suggesting that the subject is so engrossing that it evokes a profound reaction, such as a mix of fascination, excitement, or even entrancement. People who are held spellbound are momentarily transported to a different mental and emotional realm, where the outside world fades away, and their entire focus is concentrated on the source of their captivation. The duration of this spell may vary from just a few moments to a more prolonged influence, depending on the individual and the situation. Overall, being held spellbound implies a deep, transformative impact that temporarily suspends one's conscious awareness of anything else.
The phrase "holding spellbound" is not one with a specific etymology. Instead, it is a combination of words that have their own individual origins.
The word "holding" comes from the Old English word "healdan", which means "to keep, hold, or possess". Over time, it evolved into the Middle English word "holden" and eventually turned into the modern English "holding", which refers to the act of grasping or keeping something or someone in a particular manner.
The word "spellbound" is a compound term. "Spell" originated from Old English as "spellian", meaning "to tell a story" or "to enchant". It later developed into the Middle English word "spell", which implied a spoken word or verse. Over time, "spell" came to signify an incantation or a magical formula.