spellbinding

From spell +‎ binding.

spellbinding (comparative more spellbinding, superlative most spellbinding)

1. Engrossing; fascinating; gaining rapt attention; captivating.
   • 2024, Daron Acemoglu, The Simple Macroeconomics of AI, NBER WP 32487, May 2024

     There is no doubt that recent developments in generative AI and large language models that produce text, information and images—and Shakespearean sonnets—in response to simple user prompts are impressive and even spellbinding.

2. Having the power to bind magically through the agency of a spell.
   • 1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 178:

     Salt is a very favoured ingredient of spell-binding concoctions.

spellbinding (plural spellbindings)

1. A spell or enchantment that restrains or constricts someone's actions or freedom of will.
   • 1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 90:

     The Roman epic poet Vergil refers to the incapacitating effects of ligatures, while Ovid, the erotic poet, admits the power of such spell-bindings.

• binding spell