ˈfas ə nˌāt, ˈfaas-, usu -ād.+V verb
( fascinated ; fascinated ; fascinating -s ə nˌād.iŋ, -ātiŋ also -ˌsnā- ; fascinates )
Etymology: Latin fascinatus, past participle of fascinare, probably modification (influenced by Latin fari to speak) of Greek baskainein to bewitch, speak evil of, from baskanos sorcerer, slanderer, probably from a Thracian or Illyrian word akin to Greek phaskein to say, phanai to say — more at ban
transitive verb
1. obsolete : to cast a spell over : bewitch , enchant
2.
a. : to transfix and hold spellbound by or as if by an irresistible power
believed that the serpent was capable of fascinating its prey before striking
the changing vivid colors of the sunset fascinated the eye
the younger and weaker man was fascinated and helpless before the creeping approach of so monstrous a wrath — G.D.Brown
the bright light of a hooded lantern or a flashlight fascinates the fleet-footed animal, making him a target for the huntsman's bullet — American Guide Series: Maine
b. : to command the attention or interest of strongly or irresistibly often by the artful, subtle, challenging, strange, or piquant
was fascinated by the personality of the tall, dark-haired young actress — J.K.Newnham
men … who were not either fascinating women or obeying them — G.K.Chesterton
intransitive verb
: to have or exercise the power of charming, alluring, or enthralling : be irresistibly attractive or interesting : engage and powerfully hold the attention or interest
the very style of the book fascinates , never mind the content
since she had proved that she could farm as well as a man there was less need for her to endeavour to fascinate as a woman — Ellen Glasgow
Synonyms: see attract