Spell meaning

What does “spell” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“spell” is a noun and verb with 10 meanings. Its most common meaning is: a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation.

spell

noun

a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation
Synonymsenchantment trance
a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)
“it's my go”
“a spell of work”
Synonymsgo tour turn
a period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition
“he was here for a little while”
“I need to rest for a piece”
Synonymswhile piece patch
a verbal formula believed to have magical force
“he whispered a spell as he moved his hands”
“inscribed around its base is a charm in Balinese”
Synonymsmagic spell magical spell charm

verb

orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of
“How do you spell this word?”
“We had to spell out our names for the police officer”
Synonymsspell out
indicate or signify
“I'm afraid this spells trouble!”
Synonymsimport
write or name the letters that comprise the conventionally accepted form of (a word or part of a word)
“He spelled the word wrong in this letter”
Synonymswrite
relieve (someone) from work by taking a turn
“She spelled her husband at the wheel”
place under a spell
Oppositesunspell
take turns working
“the workers spell every four hours”

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University

More about “spell”

✦Synonyms for spell✦Words that rhyme with spell✦Unscramble SPELL