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Added 8 October 2026

fascinate

/ˈfæsɪneɪt/ verb

In Latin: fascinō Wiktionary

verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about fascinate at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Cause to be interested or curious.
To render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe.
The snake charmer fascinates the cobra
Attract; cause to be enamored.
She captured all the men's hearts

Origin

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.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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