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

Derived Forms

• ˌcaptiˈvation, noun
• ˈcaptiˌvatingly, adverb
• ˈcaptiˌvator, noun

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of captivate¹

C16: from Late Latin captivāre, from captīvus captive

Example Sentences

Local residents would gather outside the house when night fell, captivated by the curious orange glow.

From BBC

But the most captivating track was a spiritual sequel to “Aquatic Ambiance.”

From New York Times

Now that shy Samoan boy who watched Marcus and Tua captivate the Samoan community is poised to step into a place of similar cultural significance.

From Los Angeles Times

The sea creature, which they nicknamed the “mystery mollusk” because of its snail-like features, captivated them.

From Los Angeles Times

Fifty-five years ago, preschoolers were captivated by the TV performance of a fuzzy blue monster, two striped shirt-wearing best friends and a big yellow bird.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beguile
• bewitch
• charm
• dazzle
• delight
• enrapture
• entertain
• enthrall
• fascinate
• gratify
• grip
• hypnotize
• infatuate
• intrigue
• mesmerize
• please
• seduce