English Explanatory Dictionary

fascinate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To evoke an intense interest or attraction in someone.
  2. To make someone hold motionless; to spellbind.
  3. To be irresistibly charming or attractive to.

Pronunciation

/ˈfæsɪneɪt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-fascinate.wav

Word forms

fascinate fascinates fascinating fascinated

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.

Related words

fascination

Derived words

fascinated fascinating fascinator fascinoma unfascinating
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