# fascinate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈfæsɪneɪt/ · frequency rank #52,311

## Definitions
1. To evoke an intense interest or attraction in someone.
2. To make someone hold motionless; to spellbind.
3. To be irresistibly charming or attractive to.

## 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.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/fascinate