fascinate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb cause to be interested or curious
    intrigue.
  2. verb to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe
    grip; spellbind; transfix.
    • The snake charmer fascinates the cobra
  3. verb attract; cause to be enamored
    capture; entrance; bewitch; enamour; trance; captivate; beguile; charm; catch; becharm; enchant; enamor.
    • She captured all the men's hearts

WordNet

Fas"ci*nate transitive verb
Etymology
L. fascinare; cf. Gr. to slander, bewitch.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Fascinated present participle & verbal noun Fascinating
Definitions
  1. To influence in an uncontrollable manner; to operate on by some powerful or irresistible charm; to bewitch; to enchant.
    It has been almost universally believed that . . . serpents can stupefy and fascinate the prey which they are desirous to obtain. Griffith (Cuvier).
  2. To excite and allure irresistibly or powerfully; to charm; to captivate, as by physical or mental charms.
    there be none of the passions that have been noted to fascinate or bewhich but love and envy. Bacon.
    Syn. -- To charm; enrapture; captivate; enchant; bewitch; attract.

Webster 1913