Hypertext Webster Gateway: "fascinate"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Fascinate \Fas"ci*nate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Fascinated}, p.
pr. & vb. n.. {Fascinating}.] [L. fascinare; cf. Gr.
?????????? to slander, bewitch.]
1. To influence in an uncontrollable manner; to operate on by
some powerful or irresistible charm; to bewitch; to
enchant.
It has been almost universally believed that . . .
serpents can stupefy and fascinate the prey which
they are desirous to obtain. --Griffith
(Cuvier).
2. To excite and allure irresistibly or powerfully; to charm;
to captivate, as by physical or mental charms.
there be none of the passions that have been noted
to fascinate or bewhich but love and envy. --Bacon.
Syn: To charm; enrapture; captivate; enchant; bewitch;
attract.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
fascinate
v 1: cause to be interested or curious [syn: {intrigue}]
2: to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing
terror or awe: "The eye of the Ancient Mariner fascinated
the wedding guest." Burton; "The serpent fascinates its
prey,..by the power of his eyes." Todd & Bowman [syn: {transfix},
{grip}, {spellbind}]
3: attract; cause to be enamored; "She captured all the men's
hearts" [syn: {capture}, {enamour}, {trance}, {catch}, {becharm},
{enamor}, {captivate}, {beguile}, {charm}, {bewitch}, {entrance},
{enchant}]
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