spell
spell /ˈspɛl/
noun
-
(
)
A psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation
(
enchantment
, spell
, trance
)
a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation
The hypnotist put the subject into a deep trance.
The hypnotist put the subject into a deep trance.
-
()
A period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition
(
patch
, piece
, spell
, while
)
a period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition
He was here for a little while
he was here for a little while
I need to rest for a piece
I need to rest for a piece
A spell of good weather
a spell of good weather
A patch of bad weather
a patch of bad weather
-
()
A time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)
(
go
, turn
, spell
, tour
)
a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)
It's my go
it's my go
A spell of work
a spell of work
-
A verbal formula believed to have magical force
(
magic spell
, magical spell
, spell
, charm
)
a verbal formula believed to have magical force
He whispered a spell as he moved his hands
he whispered a spell as he moved his hands
Inscribed around its base is a charm in Balinese
inscribed around its base is a charm in Balinese
verb
-
()
Indicate or signify
(
import
, spell
)
indicate or signify
I'm afraid this spells trouble!
I'm afraid this spells trouble!
-
()
Orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of
(
spell out
, spell
)
orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of
How do you spell this word?
How do you spell this word?
We had to spell out our names for the police officer
We had to spell out our names for the police officer
-
()
Write or name the letters that comprise the conventionally accepted form of (a word or part of a word)
(
spell
, write
)
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
He spelled the word wrong in this letter
-
Take turns working
(
spell
)
take turns working
The workers spell every four hours
the workers spell every four hours
-
Place under a spell
(
spell
)
place under a spell
-
Relieve (someone) from work by taking a turn
(
spell
)
relieve (someone) from work by taking a turn
She spelled her husband at the wheel
She spelled her husband at the wheel
