enchanted

Enchanted is an adjective describing something that is under a spell or possesses magical properties. It can also convey a sense of delight or fascination, as in being enchanted by a scene or experience. The noun form enchantment refers to the act or state of being under a spell or the magical charm itself.

The word derives from Old French enchanter, from Latin incantare, meaning to chant a spell, with cantare meaning to sing. Over time, the sense shifted from the act of casting a spell to describing objects, places, or people infused with magical charm or allure.

In popular culture, Enchanted is notably the title of a 2007 American film by Disney. The live-action/animated musical fantasy follows Giselle, a princess from a fairy-tale world who is transported to modern-day New York City, where she enters life with a divorce lawyer and a prince from another realm. The film blends computer animation with live action and features performances by Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, and James Marsden, among others. It achieved broad commercial success, grossing over in the hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide.

Beyond film, the term is used across literature, music, and media to evoke magic, charm, and wonder. In folklore and fantasy fiction, enchantment describes spells, charms, or transformative powers that drive plot and character development, often raising themes of love, fate, and moral choice. The concept remains a common shorthand for experiences or settings characterized by magical allure.