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Fascinate

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)

Synonym: to charm, enrapture, captivate, enchant, bewitch, attract.

Origin: L. Fascinare; cf. Gr. To slander, bewitch.