fascinate

verb

fas·​ci·​nate ˈfa-sə-ˌnāt How to pronounce fascinate (audio)
fascinated; fascinating ˈfa-sə-ˌnā-tiŋ How to pronounce fascinate (audio)
ˈfas-ˌnā-tiŋ

transitive verb

1
a
: to command the interest of : allure
was fascinated by carnivals
The kids were fascinated with their new toy.
b
: to transfix (see transfix sense 1) and hold spellbound by an irresistible power
believed that the serpent could fascinate its prey
2
obsolete : bewitch

intransitive verb

: to be irresistibly attractive
the novel's flamboyant cover fascinates
Choose the Right Synonym for fascinate

attract, allure, charm, captivate, fascinate, enchant mean to draw another by exerting a powerful influence.

attract applies to any degree or kind of ability to exert influence over another.

students attracted by the school's locale

allure implies an enticing by what is fair, pleasing, or seductive.

an alluring smile

charm implies the power of casting a spell over the person or thing affected and so compelling a response

charmed by their hospitality

, but it may, like captivate, suggest no more than evoking delight or admiration.

her performances captivated audiences

fascinate suggests a magical influence and tends to stress the ineffectiveness of attempts to resist.

a story that continues to fascinate children

enchant is perhaps the strongest of these terms in stressing the appeal of the agent and the degree of delight evoked in the subject.

hopelessly enchanted by her beauty

Examples of fascinate in a Sentence

a question that fascinates both biologists and anthropologists Her paintings never fail to fascinate.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These elephants fascinate zoologists for their ability to handle the harsh weather conditions in the area, including strong, ice-cold winds and alternating droughts and heavy rains. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Highball fascinates with its cozy, yet brooding ambience and complex, clean cocktails. Bahar Anooshahr, AZCentral.com, 1 Aug. 2025 The Jonas Brothers rose to fame as teenagers, and many people were fascinated with the band’s decision to wear purity rings. Katherine Schaffstall, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025 One practice that has fascinated me for many years is replication research, where a research group tries to redo a previous study. Amanda Kay Montoya, The Conversation, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fascinate

Word History

Etymology

Latin fascinatus, past participle of fascinare, from fascinum evil spell

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of fascinate was in 1591

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fascinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fascinate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

fascinate

verb
fas·​ci·​nate ˈfas-ᵊn-ˌāt How to pronounce fascinate (audio)
fascinated; fascinating
1
: to grip the attention of especially so as to take away the power to move, act, or think for oneself
the belief that serpents can fascinate their prey
2
: to cause (someone) to be very interested in something or someone
fascination
ˌfas-ᵊn-ˈā-shən
noun
fascinator
ˈfas-ᵊn-ˌāt-ər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fascinate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!