DictionaryAI

fascinate

verb
USFAS-i-nayt/ˈfæsɪneɪt/

Formsfascinates, fascinating, fascinated

2 meanings of fascinate

Practice

  1. 1
    deeply interestverbtransitive
    To make someone very interested in something or strongly drawn to it.

    Like a bright light that pulls your eyes toward it.

    Dinosaurs fascinate almost every child I know.

    The magic trick fascinated the whole class.

    UsageHistory is fascinating. I am fascinated by it.

    Similarcaptivate, intrigue, enthrall, absorb, engross

    Oppositebore, repel

  2. 2
    hold stillverbtransitive
    To hold someone still and silent, as if under a spell.

    Like a magic trick that makes you stand still and just watch.

    The snake seemed to fascinate the little bird until it could not move.

    The cat's stare seemed to fascinate the mouse, and it froze in place.

    Similartransfix, mesmerize, hypnotize, spellbind, rivet

    Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from the Latin word fascinō, meaning to enchant or bewitch.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts