German Conversation · Level 183
30 words
German word
Bann
Pronunciation
IPA/ban/
Meaning
- masculine nounspell
Example
Die Geschichte zog ihn in ihren Bann.
The story cast a spell over him.
More examples
Der alte Schamane versuchte, den Bann aufzuheben.
The old shaman tried to lift the spell.
Core concept
An invisible force holds a person inside its reach, like a spell that keeps attention fixed on one person, thing, or idea.
Common phrases
einen Bann aufheben
lift a spell
unter dem Bann leben
live under a spell
sich aus dem Bann lösen
free oneself from a spell
Similar words
Faszination: A powerful attraction that captures and holds the mind.
Begeisterung: Eager excitement that inspires active involvement.
Interesse: Curiosity or concern that directs attention toward something.
Definition in German
Zustand starker Anziehung oder fast unentrinnbarer Bindung an eine Person, Sache oder Vorstellung.
Word origin
Bann comes from Old High German ban and Middle High German ban, meaning an order or prohibition, and later developed legal, religious, magical, and figurative senses.
Usage tips
- The common expression "jemanden in seinen Bann ziehen" takes an accusative object and often has a literary or elevated tone.
Other meanings
- cursenoun
- bannoun
- magicnoun
Opposites
- Loslösungdetachmentnoun
Related words
- bannenbewitchverb