Fascinate
From Nordan Symposia
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Etymology
from Latin fascinat- ppl. stem of fascinare to enchant, f. fascinum spell, witchcraft. Cf. F. fasciner
Definitions
- 1. trans. To affect by witchcraft or magic; to bewitch, enchant, lay under a spell. Obs.
- 2.a. To cast a spell over (a person, animal, etc.) by a look; said esp. of serpents.
- b. In later use disconnected from the notion of witchcraft: To deprive of the power of escape or resistance, as serpents are said to do through the terror produced by their look or merely by their perceived presence.
- b. To attract and retain the attention of (a person) by an irresistible influence.
- c. .Now usually, To attract and ‘hold spellbound’ by delightful qualities; to charm, enchant.
Synonyms
allure, beguile, bewitch, captivate, enchant, charm, kill, magnetize, wile, witch
Usage
A person can be fascinated by or with another person or thing. It is correct to speak of someone's fascination with a person or thing; one can also say a person or thing has a fascination for someone