[cha.ris.ma] also char.ism n, pl cha.ris.ma.ta also charisms [Gk charisma favor, gift, fr. charizesthai to favor, fr. charis grace; akin to Gk chairein to rejoice--more at yearn] (ca. 1641) 1: an extraordinary power (as of healing) given a Christian by the Holy Spirit for the good of the church
2. a: a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure (as a political leader) b: a special magnetic charm or appeal "the ~ of a popular actor"