besot

[bih-sot]

verb (used with object)

besotted, besotting 

1. to intoxicate or stupefy with drink.

2. to make stupid or foolish.

   The stories had besotted her mind with fear and superstition.

3. to infatuate; obsess.

   Youth and beauty have a tendency to besot middle-aged men; charm and tenderness does it for women of all ages.

Other Word Forms

• besottingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of besot¹

First recorded in 1575–85; be + sot

Example Sentences

This summer is the 20th anniversary of his U.S. debut — at 24 years old — conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and becoming irrepressibly besotted with the amphitheater.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A man apparently so besotted with his faith, he managed to grab a few awkward minutes with Pope Francis before the poor guy could shuffle off the mortal coil.

Read more on Salon

Her outrageous request is granted after she dances the dance of the seven veils for her besotted stepfather, in a play that careens into multiple taboos under biblical cover.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Like so many Americans of a certain class and character, he’s besotted with the British royal family and insisted, in defiance of all available evidence, that he was good friends with the late Queen Elizabeth.

Read more on Salon

Then, as now, they're an exceptionally cute couple – tender and funny and clearly besotted with one another.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• astound 
• bemuse 
• bewilder 
• flabbergast 
• nonplus