fascinate

verb

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.

1. To evoke an intense interest or attraction in someone.

   “The flickering TV fascinated the cat.”

2. To make someone hold motionless; to spellbind.

   “We were fascinated by the potter's skill.”

   “Leo, too, was strangely touched. Hitherto he had been fascinated against his better judgment, something as a bird is fascinated by a snake, but now I think that all this passed away, and he realised that he really loved this strange and glorious creature, as, alas! I loved her also.”

3. To be irresistibly charming or attractive to.

   “Her gait fascinates all men.”