fascinate
/ˈfasɪneɪt
/verb [with object]
1Attract the strong attention and interest of (someone): I’ve always been fascinated by computers (as adjective fascinated) a crowd of fascinated onlookers...
- Perhaps it is this very drama that provides the attraction that continues to fascinate military historians.
- That idea, of walking on the same ground as generations past, is one which has always fascinated me.
- You will never know what is on their mind, and you may not have any idea where you stand with them, but their secrets will always fascinate you.
Synonyms
engross, captivate, absorb, interest, enchant, beguile, bewitch, enthral, enrapture, entrance, hold spellbound, transfix, rivet, mesmerize, hypnotize, spellbind, occupy, engage, compel;
allure, lure, tempt, entice, draw, tantalize;
charm, attract, intrigue, delight, divert, entertain, amuse
1.1 archaic (Especially of a snake) deprive (prey) of the ability to resist or escape by the power of a gaze: the serpent fascinates its prey
Origin
Late 16th century (in the sense 'bewitch'): from Latin fascinat- 'bewitched', from the verb fascinare, from fascinum 'spell, witchcraft'.
‘Bewitch, put under a spell’ was the first sense recorded for fascinate which comes from Latin fascinare ‘bewitch’.