fascinated

[ fas-uh-ney-tid ]

adjective

1. having the attention attracted and held by a person or thing having unique power or charm, unusual character, etc.; enthralled or captivated:

   The nature trail guide opened one of the boxes to let the fascinated onlookers view two baby bluebirds inside.

2. strongly interested or intrigued by something:

   I'm speaking now not as a lawyer, just as a fascinated observer of mankind.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of fascinate ( def ).

Other Words From

• fas·ci·nat·ed·ly adverb
• half-fas·ci·nat·ed adjective
• qua·si-fas·ci·nat·ed adjective
• un·fas·ci·nat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fascinated¹

fascinate ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

John Sheppard, a retired senior real estate manager for the city, was fascinated by the mall after moving to Los Angeles from Washington, D.C., almost 40 years ago.

From Los Angeles Times

Do you have advice for other children who are fascinated by gulls and want to learn about them?

From Salon

Yoakam was fascinated with Malone’s background in Texas and how knowledgeable and earnest he was about music.

From Los Angeles Times

But voters’ rejection of Trump and the county’s gradual shift from deeply red to a more politically diverse region has fascinated pollsters and political scientists for years.

From Los Angeles Times

"People are fascinated by the female body in particular."

From BBC

Related Words

• absorbed
• aroused
• delighted
• enamored
• enchanted
• enthralled
• excited
• intoxicated
• mesmerized
• thrilled