fascinate

Verb

cause to be interested or curious
to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe
- "The snake charmer fascinates the cobra"
attract; cause to be enamored
To evoke an intense interest or attraction in someone.
To make someone hold motionless; to spellbind.
To be irresistibly charming or attractive to.

Examples

Her gait fascinates all men.
The flickering TV fascinated the cat.
We were fascinated by the potter's skill.

Origin / Etymology

Borrowed from Latin fascinātus, perfect passive participle of fascinō (“to enchant, bewitch, fascinate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from fascinum (“a phallus-shaped amulet worn around the neck in Ancient Rome; witchcraft”) + -ō (verb-forming suffix), itself of obscure origin.

Synonyms

becharm, beguile, bewitch, captivate, capture, catch, charm, enamor, enamour, enchant, entrance, grip, intrigue, spellbind, trance, transfix

Scrabble Score: 14

fascinate: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
fascinate: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
fascinate: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

fascinate: valid Words With Friends Word