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DictionaryRoot: be-
Old English

be-

around; thoroughly; make or affect

Forms

  • be-

Origin

Proto-Germanic *bi, ‘by; near; around.’

Note

Often turns a noun or adjective into a verb meaning to treat something in that way.

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An older man casts a gentle magical spell toward a middle-aged woman, who watches the curling glow around her hands with an enchanted, absorbed expression.
verb

bewitch

bih-WITCH/bɪˈwɪtʃ/

To bring someone under a magical spell.

Etymology
beOld Englisharound; thoroughly; make or affect
+witchOld Englishto enchant, practice witchcraft

Be- combines with wiccian, “to enchant,” to describe casting a spell on someone, originally with an implication of harm. The figurative meaning treats irresistible fascination as though it were magical control.

Full entry

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