fascinate

/ˌfæsəˈneɪt/

/ˈfæsɪneɪt/

Other forms: fascinating; fascinated; fascinates

Anything that sparks your interest or makes you wonder has the ability to fascinate. If you catch someone's interest, and then hold it, you fascinate them. Be careful.

The word fascinate actually comes from Latin and French words meaning "witchcraft," and although these days fascinate is used under much tamer circumstances, there is some sense in the word that the person's appeal is not quite normal: there might be a spell-like quality to his or her charms. Thus, the word is often used to describe a new love. On the other hand, you might find the study of exotic beetles fascinating. To each his own.

Definitions of fascinate

1. verb

   attract; cause to be enamored
   synonyms: becharm, beguile, bewitch, captivate, capture, catch, charm, enamor, enamour, enchant, entrance, trance

   types:

   hold

   hold the attention of

   work

   gratify and charm, usually in order to influence

   type of:

   appeal, attract

   be attractive to
2. verb

   cause to be interested or curious
   synonyms: intrigue

   types:

   grab, seize

   capture the attention or imagination of

   type of:

   interest, matter to

   be of importance or consequence to
3. verb

   render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe
   “The snake charmer fascinates the cobra”

   synonyms: grip, spellbind, transfix

   type of:

   interest

   excite the curiosity of; engage the interest of