English Dictionary
Definition of “fascinate”
fascinate (ˈfæsɪˌneɪt
)
Definitions
verb (mainly tr)
- to attract and delight by arousing interest or curiosity ⇒
his stories fascinated me for hours
- to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe
- archaic to put under a spell
Alternative Forms
ˈfasciˌnatedly adverb ˌfasciˈnation noun ˈfascinative adjective Word Origin
C16: from Latin fascināre , from fascinum a bewitching
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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entrance,
delight,
charm,
absorb,
intrigue,
enchant,
rivet,
captivate,
enthral,
beguile,
allure,
bewitch,
ravish,
transfix,
mesmerize,
hypnotize,
engross,
enrapture,
interest greatly
enamour,
hold spellbound
spellbind,
infatuate,
Usage examples
Or, deliberate, she would crouch and fascinate me with her eyes.
Doris Lessing, ON CATS (2002)Football hooligans disgust and frighten us - but they fascinate us too.
Spiked (2002)The paintings fizz and shimmer on the wall, their patterns mesmerise and fascinate and their rhythms capture and hold you still.
Courier, Sunday Mail (2004)It is, however, a journey to old, familiar places that will fascinate Vogts.
Times, Sunday Times (2002)It never fails to fascinate me just how varied are the ways in which corporate culture is expressed.
Cutler, Peter, Get Out of Debt and Prosper! a 10-step plan that really works (1991)
