captivate

[ kap-tuh-veyt ]

verb (used with object)

, cap·ti·vat·ed, cap·ti·vat·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˌcaptiˈvation, noun
• ˈcaptiˌvatingly, adverb
• ˈcaptiˌvator, noun

Other Words From

• cap·ti·va·tion [kap-t, uh, -, vey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• cap·ti·va·tive adjective
• cap·ti·va·tor noun
• un·cap·ti·vat·ed adjective
• un·cap·ti·va·tive adjective

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 while Hitler and Mao still captivate the popular imagination, one of the great monsters of the 20th century recedes.

From The Daily Beast

Why did The Princess Bride captivate America in the year of Watergate?

From The Daily Beast

Her childlike delight in the world and occasional melancholic outbursts captivate Marcenat completely.

From The Daily Beast

Whatever tells us of the yet unknown attraction can charm, interest, delight, and captivate us.

From Project Gutenberg

"I am quite innocent of any intention to captivate," replied Fanny.

From Project Gutenberg

His speeches have a freedom and a rhythmical flow which captivate the hearer.

From Project Gutenberg

The interests of a moment engross and captivate the passions, and kindle ardours which burn with incessant vigour.

From Project Gutenberg

But there were added minor articles of use and fancy to please the youth or captivate the imagination of the women in the tribes.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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