Quick definitions (fascinate)
verb: to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe (Example: "The snake charmer fascinates the cobra")
verb: attract; cause to be enamored
verb: cause to be interested or curious
In Play: My shirt has nine buttons but I can only fascinate.fascinate
1598, "bewitch, enchant," from M.Fr. fasciner, from L. fascinatus, pp. of fascinare "bewitch, enchant," from fascinus "spell, witchcraft," of uncertain origin. Possibly from Gk. baskanos "bewitcher, sorcerer," with form influenced by L. fari "speak" (see fame). The Gk. word may be from a Thracian equivalent of Gk. phaskein "to say;" cf. also enchant, and Ger. besprechen "to charm," from sprechen "to speak." Earliest used of witches and of serpents, who were said to be able to cast a spell by a look that rendered one unable to move or resist. Sense of "delight, attract" is first recorded 1815.
(Inspired by a recent GWS)
