fascinate

Hold spellbound attention

To fascinate is to capture and hold someone's attention completely, often with an element of wonder or compelling interest.

A speaker fascinates an audience; a mystery fascinates investigators.

The word carries a hint of its original meaning—to bewitch or cast a spell—though modern usage is almost always positive: I'm fascinated by how languages evolve.

Something fascinating draws you in and holds you there.

captivate

Hold attention irresistibly

enthrallTo fascinate utterly
engrossAbsorb one's attention wholly
absorbTake in fully

grip · rivet · immerse · arrest · transfix · hold · engage · preoccupy · fixate · consume

charm

enchant

Magically captivate someone

beguileCharm into deception
charmAttractive personal quality
delightIntense pleasure or satisfaction

bewitch · enamor · woo · dazzle · entrance · allure · attract · appeal · seduce · entice

hypnotize

Induce altered consciousness

mesmerizeCapture attention completely
transfixImmobilize through shock or piercing
spellbindCaptivate completely, immovably

entrance · bewitch · enchant · fixate · rivet · stupefy · daze · bedazzle · spellbound · trance

intrigue

Secret plotting or fascination

curiosityDesire to learn
mysterySomething unexplained or unknown
puzzleChallenge testing ingenuity

enigma · perplex · baffle · mystify · bewilder · pique · tantalize · tease · provoke · stimulate

awe

Reverent fear and wonder

amazeOverwhelm with wonder
astonishShock with wonder
astoundShock with wonder

stun · overwhelm · impress · inspire · wonder · marvel · dazzle · stagger · stupendous · breathtaking

fascinate

captivate

enchant

hypnotize

intrigue

awe

fascinate

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