captivate

[kap-tuh-veyt]

verb (used with object)

captivated, captivating 

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

Other Word Forms

• captivation noun
• captivative adjective
• captivator noun
• uncaptivated adjective
• uncaptivative adjective
• captivatingly adverb

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

Even as the tech comes ever closer to real world applications, however, Dr Jordan is still captivated by its sci-fi origins.

From BBC

The story of Earhart, who vanished while flying over the Pacific Ocean, "has captivated millions", the US president wrote on social media on Friday.

From BBC

Then again, you certainly don’t have to be a deeply invested cinephile to fall hard for this yarn, because the performances and visuals are captivating in themselves.

From Salon

The respect for that work has captivated a city, and Kershaw will surely hear it in these final days.

From Los Angeles Times

A captivated audience in Tokyo remained in the stadium long after Monday night's other events had concluded to watch the sport's modern-day great become the first human to clear the 6.30m barrier.

From BBC

Related Words

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