v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Fascinated p. pr. & vb. n.. Fascinating ] [ L. fascinare; cf. Gr. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; to slander, bewitch. ] 1. To influence in an uncontrollable manner; to operate on by some powerful or irresistible charm; to bewitch; to enchant. [ 1913 Webster ]

It has been almost universally believed that . . . serpents can stupefy and fascinate the prey which they are desirous to obtain. Griffith (Cuvier). [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To excite and allure irresistibly or powerfully; to charm; to captivate, as by physical or mental charms. [ 1913 Webster ]

There be none of the passions that have been noted to fascinate or bewitch but love and envy. Bacon.

Syn. -- To charm; enrapture; captivate; enchant; bewitch; attract. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. 1. having the attention fixed by a sense of wonder.
Syn. -- hypnotized, hypnotised, mesmerized, mesmerised, spellbound, transfixed. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. intensely interested in or attracted by; as, I'm very interested in birds; in fact I'm fascinated by them. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

adj. 1. capable of holding the attention; as, a fascinating story.
Syn. -- absorbing, engrossing, gripping, riveting, spellbinding. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. capturing interest as if by a spell; as, a fascinating woman.
Syn. -- bewitching, captivating, enchanting, enthralling, entrancing. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ L. fascinatio; cf. F. fascination. ] 1. The act of fascinating, bewitching, or enchanting; enchantment; witchcraft; the exercise of a powerful or irresistible influence on the affections or passions; unseen, inexplicable influence. [ 1913 Webster ]

The Turks hang old rags . . . upon their fairest horses, and other goodly creatures, to secure them against fascination. Waller. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The state or condition of being fascinated. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. That which fascinates; a charm; a spell. [ 1913 Webster ]

There is a certain bewitchery or fascination in words. South. [ 1913 Webster ]