Antonyms for charms

Grammar : Noun, verb

Spell : chahrm

Phonetic Transcription : tʃɑrm

Definition of charms

Origin : c.1300, "incantation, magic charm," from Old French charme (12c.) "magic charm, magic, spell; incantation, song, lamentation," from Latin carmen "song, verse, enchantment, religious formula," from canere "to sing" (see chant (v.)), with dissimilation of -n- to -r- before -m- in intermediate form *canmen (for a similar evolution, see Latin germen "germ," from *genmen). The notion is of chanting or reciting verses of magical power.
A yet stronger power than that of herb or stone lies in the spoken word, and all nations use it both for blessing and cursing. But these, to be effective, must be choice, well knit, rhythmic words (verba concepta), must have lilt and tune; hence all that is strong in the speech wielded by priest, physician, magician, is allied to the forms of poetry. [Jacob Grimm, "Teutonic Mythology" (transl. Stallybrass), 1883]
Sense of "pleasing quality" evolved 17c. Meaning "small trinket fastened to a watch-chain, etc." first recorded 1865. Quantum physics sense is from 1964. To work like a charm (figuratively) is recorded by 1824.

noun enchantment, allure
noun talisman
verb enchant

Example sentences :

But yet with all their charms I am still loyal to my own White Hart.
Extract from : « The Underdog » by F. Hopkinson Smith

They are enchanted by other charms, and lulled into dangerous repose by other music!
Extract from : « Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. II » by Francis Augustus Cox

He relies on his muscles and not on his charms, for support.
Extract from : « Punchinello, Vol. 1, No. 12, June 18, 1870 » by Various

The Duke's song, independent totally of his dukeship, charms me.
Extract from : « The Letters of Robert Burns » by Robert Burns

The conjurer is employed to work his charms to keep off the evil ones.
Extract from : « The Long Labrador Trail » by Dillon Wallace

And such was the sleep of Theodora: she was young and replete with charms, and, alas!
Extract from : « Gomez Arias » by Joaqun Telesforo de Trueba y Coso

His eye was struck with the charms of her person, and the amiableness of her manners.
Extract from : « Imogen » by William Godwin

Eagerly he gazes on her charms; in thought he devours her inexpressive beauties.
Extract from : « Imogen » by William Godwin

The charms of Imogen had been in turn heightened with joy, and mellowed with distress.
Extract from : « Imogen » by William Godwin

But can there be any charms at an entertainment, at which you are not present?
Extract from : « The Memoirs of Count Grammont, Complete » by Anthony Hamilton

Synonyms for charms

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019