infatuation

[ in-fach-oo-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the state of being infatuated.
2. the act of infatuating.
3. foolish or all-absorbing passion or an instance of this:

   a mere infatuation that will not last.

4. the object of a person's infatuation:

   When I was a kid, my infatuation was stamp collecting.

infatuation

/ ɪnˌfætjʊˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of infatuating or state of being infatuated
2. foolish or extravagant passion
3. an object of foolish or extravagant passion

Word History and Origins

Origin of infatuation¹

First recorded in 1640–50, infatuation is from the Late Latin word infatuātiōn- (stem of infatuātiō ). See infatuate, -ion

Example Sentences

First single Kiss Ur Face Forever is a grunge-pop anthem to physical infatuation, while the follow-up Little Chaos is a frantic reflection of an unsettled mind.

From BBC

But Milei’s infatuation with Judaism and outspoken support for Israel has generated fears and exposed fissures within Argentina’s Jewish community, among the biggest in the world, and roiled relations with its neighbors.

From Seattle Times

The show is slickly executed by a talented cast and production crew, but its understated rendering of the lovers’ romantic infatuation may leave some theatergoers wanting more.

From New York Times

It was this infatuation that led NBC’s executives to employ McDaniel, seemingly overlooking that she had accused America’s media, writ large, of “stealing our faith in the election process.”

From Salon

Donald Trump's infatuation with Adolf Hitler is both well documented and profoundly disturbing.

From Salon

Related Words

• fascination
• obsession

More About Infatuation

What does infatuation mean?

Infatuation is the state of being infatuated—being absorbed with an extreme passion for someone or something, especially in a way that makes you foolish or unreasonable about it.

Infatuation is often used to refer to the state of someone who has fallen in love with a person without really knowing them. But it can refer to any obsessive or passionate focus, such as on an activity or goal. A person who’s affected this way can be described as infatuated.

The word infatuation can also refer to the object of this focus, as in Who’s that you’re staring at—your latest infatuation? Someone or something considered an infatuation can be described as infatuating.

Much less commonly, infatuation can refer to the act of infatuating.

Example: Your infatuation with him is clouding your judgment.

Where does infatuation come from?

The first records of the word infatuation come from the mid-1600s. It ultimately comes from the Latin verb infatuāre, from fatuus, meaning “fatuous” or “foolish.”

When it’s used in the context of a romantic interest, an infatuation is often like an intense crush—one that consumes your every thought. The word is often used in a critical way that implies that such an interest is foolish or impulsive, as in That’s not love—it’s infatuation. Describing someone as infatuated implies the same thing—that they’re not thinking straight.

Still, attraction to someone often begins with infatuation, and the same can be said for hobbies that you develop a passion for. In this context, infatuation isn’t usually used negatively. It simply refers to a consuming passion or fascination with something, especially one that’s in its beginning stages, as in My kids go through a lot of interests, and their current infatuation is robotics.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to infatuation? 

• infatuate (verb)

What are some synonyms for infatuation?

• obsession
• passion
• fascination
• crush

What are some words that share a root or word element with infatuation? 

• infatuated
• infatuating
• fatuous

What are some words that often get used in discussing infatuation?

• love
• desire
• foolish
• interest
• object
• newest
• latest

How is infatuation used in real life?

When used in the context of a romantic interest, infatuation is usually used negatively. When it refers to a passion or fascination with an activity or hobby, it’s usually used more positively.

my infatuation is translating to another form of what you call it? love

— Tyler, The Creator (@tylerthecreator) July 22, 2017

“Infatuation is impulsive while love is patient..” 💙

— KEIKO NECESARIO-CUBIL (@KeikoSoundsLike) November 20, 2019

Infatuation does not last long

— Christina Cimorelli (@ChristinaCIM) November 20, 2014

 

 

Try using infatuation!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of infatuation?

A. obsession
B. disgust
C. fascination
D. passion