fascinate - verb [with obj.] (usu. be fascinated) draw irresistibly the attention and interest of (someone): I've always been fascinated by other cultures | [with obj. and infinitive] she was fascinated to learn about this strange land.
- ORIGIN late 16th cent. (in the sense 'bewitch, put under a spell'): from Latin fascinat- 'bewitched', from the verb fascinare, from fascinum 'spell, witchcraft'.