Dictionary

charisma

noun cha·ris·ma \kə-ˈriz-mə\

: a special charm or appeal that causes people to feel attracted and excited by someone (such as a politican)

Full Definition of CHARISMA

: a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure (as a political leader)

: a special magnetic charm or appeal <the charisma of a popular actor>

See charisma defined for English-language learners

See charisma defined for kids

Greek, favor, gift, from charizesthai to favor, from charis grace; akin to Greek chairein to rejoice — more at yearn

First Known Use: 1930

Synonyms: allure, animal magnetism, appeal, attractiveness, captivation, charm, duende, enchantment, fascination, force field, glamour (also glamor), magic, magnetism, oomph, pizzazz (or pizazz), seductiveness, witchery

Next Word in the Dictionary: charismatic (adjective)Previous Word in the Dictionary: charismAll Words Near: charisma

What made you want to look up charisma? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears