English dictionary



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English noun: spell

1. spell (state) a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation


Synonymsenchantment, trance


Broader (hypernym)mental condition, mental state, psychological condition, psychological state


Narrower (hyponym)captivation, fascination, possession

2. spell (time) a time for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)


SamplesIt's my go.
A spell of work.


Synonymsgo, tour, turn


Broader (hypernym)duty period, shift, work shift

3. spell (time) a period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition


SamplesHe was here for a little while.
I need to rest for a piece.
A spell of good weather.
A patch of bad weather.


Synonymspatch, piece, while


Broader (hypernym)time


Narrower (hyponym)cold snap, cold spell, hot spell, snap

4. spell (communication) a verbal formula believed to have magical force


SamplesHe whispered a spell as he moved his hands.
Inscribed around its base is a charm in Balinese.


Synonymscharm, magic spell, magical spell


Broader (hypernym)language, oral communication, speech, speech communication, spoken communication, spoken language, voice communication


Narrower (hyponym)conjuration, curse, hex, incantation, jinx, whammy


English verb: spell

1. spell (communication) orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of


SamplesHow do you spell this word?.
We had to spell out our names for the police officer.


Synonymsspell out


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)recite


Narrower (hyponym)misspell

2. spell (communication) indicate or signify


SamplesI'm afraid this spells trouble!.


Synonymsimport


Pattern of useSomething ----s something


Broader (hypernym)intend, mean

3. spell (creation) write or name the letters that comprise the conventionally accepted form of (a word or part of a word)


SamplesHe spelled the word wrong in this letter.


Synonymswrite


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Narrower (hyponym)hyphen, hyphenate, spell out

4. spell (social) relieve (someone) from work by taking a turn


SamplesShe spelled her husband at the wheel.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)relieve, take over

5. spell (communication) place under a spell


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)bewitch, enchant, glamour, hex, jinx, witch


Antonymsunspell

6. spell (change) take turns working


SamplesThe workers spell every four hours.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s


Broader (hypernym)alternate, take turns









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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