fascinate
/ˈfæsɪneɪt/ verb
Forms fascinates fascinating fascinated
- verb To evoke an intense interest or attraction in someone. “The flickering TV fascinated the cat.”
- verb To make someone hold motionless; to spellbind. “We were fascinated by the potter's skill.”
- verb To be irresistibly charming or attractive to. “Her gait fascinates all men.”
Synonyms
intrigue transfix grip spellbind capture enamour trance catch becharm enamor captivate beguile charm bewitch entrance enchant
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin fascinātus, perfect passive participle of fascinō (“to enchant, bewitch, fascinate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from fascinum (“a phallus-shaped amulet worn around the neck in Ancient Rome; witchcraft”) + -ō (verb-forming suffix), itself of obscure origin.
Webster’s 1913
- verb To influence in an uncontrollable manner; to operate on by some powerful or irresistible charm; to bewitch; to enchant.
- verb To excite and allure irresistibly or powerfully; to charm; to captivate, as by physical or mental charms.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “fascinate”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details