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View synonyms for captivate

captivate

[ kap-tuh-veyt ]

verb (used with object)

, cap·ti·vat·ed, cap·ti·vat·ing.
  1. to attract and hold the attention or interest of, as by beauty or excellence; enchant:

    Her blue eyes and red hair captivated him.

    Synonyms: charm, bewitch, fascinate

  2. Obsolete. to capture; subjugate.

    Synonyms: subdue



captivate

/ ˈkæptɪˌveɪt /

verb

  1. to hold the attention of by fascinating; enchant
  2. an obsolete word for capture
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˌcaptiˈvation, noun
  • ˈcaptiˌvatingly, adverb
  • ˈcaptiˌvator, noun
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Other Words From

  • cap·ti·va·tion [kap-t, uh, -, vey, -sh, uh, n], noun
  • cap·ti·va·tive adjective
  • cap·ti·va·tor noun
  • un·cap·ti·vat·ed adjective
  • un·cap·ti·va·tive adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of captivate1

First recorded in 1520–30; from Late Latin captīvātus (past participle of captīvāre “to take captive”), equivalent to Latin captīv(us) captive + -ātus -ate 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of captivate1

C16: from Late Latin captivāre, from captīvus captive
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Example Sentences

That perspective captivated Williams, and over the last two decades she’s established many of its most far-reaching implications.

Biographies of scientific legends and lesser-known luminaries, tales of amazing animals and stories of exploration captivated Science News staff.

Birding gives us an opportunity to be captivated and allow them to teach us things like patience and appreciation.

Through sheer force of will and a healthy dose of operating genius, Musk has built an electric-auto maker and battery manufacturer that is seemingly dragging an entire industry into the 21st century—and captivated investors around the world.

From Fortune

His rallies captivated a nation, and before that his reality TV show was a runaway hit.

From Fortune

Even while Hitler and Mao still captivate the popular imagination, one of the great monsters of the 20th century recedes.

Why did The Princess Bride captivate America in the year of Watergate?

Her childlike delight in the world and occasional melancholic outbursts captivate Marcenat completely.

Whatever tells us of the yet unknown attraction can charm, interest, delight, and captivate us.

"I am quite innocent of any intention to captivate," replied Fanny.

His speeches have a freedom and a rhythmical flow which captivate the hearer.

The interests of a moment engross and captivate the passions, and kindle ardours which burn with incessant vigour.

But there were added minor articles of use and fancy to please the youth or captivate the imagination of the women in the tribes.

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