I. charm 1 /tʃɑːm $ tʃɑːrm/ BrE AmE noun
[ Date: 1200-1300 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: charme , from Latin carmen 'song' , from canere 'to sing' ]
1 . [uncountable and countable] a special quality someone or something has that makes people like them, feel attracted to them, or be easily influenced by them – used to show approval ⇨ charming :
Joe’s boyish charm
charm of
the charm of this small Southern city
She turned on the charm (=used her charm) to all the men.
The room had no windows and all the charm of a prison cell (=used to say that something has no charm) .
2 . [countable] a very small object worn on a chain or ↑ bracelet :
a charm bracelet
a small gold horseshoe worn as a lucky charm
3 . [countable] a phrase or action believed to have special magic powers SYN spell
4 . work like a charm to work exactly as you had hoped:
The new sales program has worked like a charm.
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COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ have charm
Richard was clever and he had a lot of charm.
▪ use your charm
She knew when to use her charm in order to get what she wanted.
▪ turn on the charm (=use your charm to get something)
If you turn on the charm, I’m sure you’ll get the job.
▪ ooze charm (=have or show a lot of charm)
Every time she saw him, he oozed charm.
▪ lack charm/be lacking in charm
A lot of new buildings lack charm.
▪ something loses its charm
He was getting older, and travel was losing its charm.
▪ succumb to sb’s/sth’s charms (=allow yourself to be influenced by their charms)
Thomas seemed to be succumbing to Sylvie's charms.
▪ resist sb’s charm (=not allow yourself to be influenced by someone’s charm)
People say that it was impossible to resist Burton’s charm.
▪ be part of somebody's/something's charm
The house is a long way from anywhere and that is part of its charm.
■ adjectives
▪ boyish charm
Women seem to love his boyish charm.
▪ great charm
He was a man of great charm.
▪ easy charm (=relaxed charm)
Hudson was full of easy charm and smiles.
▪ rustic charm (=charm that is simple, old-fashioned and typical of the countryside)
The cottage had a certain rustic charm.
▪ natural charm
She had a quiet natural charm that everyone liked.
▪ personal charm
He was a man of great personal charm.
▪ considerable charm
Their music has considerable charm.
▪ immense charm (=very great)
No one could resist his immense charm.
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THESAURUS
▪ attraction noun [uncountable and countable] a feature or quality that makes people like, want, or feel interested in something:
The excitement is part of the attraction of the job.
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For many mothers, the attraction of childcare in the workplace is the chance to be near their children.
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The idea of living in another country does have a certain attraction.
▪ appeal noun [uncountable and countable] a quality that makes people like something or someone:
Much of Corfu’s appeal lies in its lively night life.
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I don’t understand the appeal of this kind of music.
▪ the lure of something noun [singular] a very attractive quality that makes you want something very much – often used about something that has a bad effect or influence:
It’s hard to resist the lure of credit cards and easy money.
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The lure of urban life is especially powerful for the young.
▪ charm noun [uncountable and countable] a pleasant quality that someone or something has that makes people like them, feel attracted to them, or be influenced by them:
He was physically attractive and possessed considerable personal charm.
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The book captures Savannah’s old Southern charm perfectly.
▪ glamour noun [uncountable] the attractive and exciting quality that is connected with wealth and success:
the glamour of Monte Carlo
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Hollywood glamour
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The world of modelling is famous for its glitz and glamour.
▪ draw noun [singular] something that makes people want to do something or go somewhere:
The money is a big draw for many players.
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The island’s main draw is its wonderful beaches.
II. charm 2 BrE AmE verb [transitive]
1 . to attract someone and make them like you, sometimes in order to make them do something for you ⇨ charming :
We were charmed by the friendliness of the local people.
2 . to please and interest someone:
a story that has charmed generations of children
3 . to gain power over someone or something by using magic