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

Kolankiewicz, for one, was fascinated by studies of the carbon legacy of families — the emerging notion that a person’s carbon footprint would multiply through generations and that the best way to reduce emissions was to have one less child.

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

For all his hate, misogyny and political lies, I have to admit, I am fascinated by Vance and the enigma he is.

From Salon

Related Words

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