rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycaptivateHold attention
verb

captivate

KAP-tih-vayt/ˈkæptɪveɪt/

To attract and hold someone's attention or admiration.

The magician's cascade of cards captivates the spectator, who forgets the raised cup.

A close-up magic performance captivates a spectator: a magician fans a cascade of playing cards between his hands while the spectator leans forward, eyes fixed on the cards, mouth slightly open, with a raised cup forgotten halfway to his lips.
Etymology
captivateLatintake, capture

Latin captivare meant 'to capture.' Captivating people figuratively takes their attention prisoner, holding it through charm, beauty, or excellence rather than physical force.

In context

Facts Verse3:13
the enduring appeal of the You're So Vain mystery lay in its ability to captivate the imagination. It was a puzzle that begged to be solved
Carly Simon Finally Confesses Who 'You're So Vain' is About

More examples

  • The child's drawings captivated the visitors.
  • We were captivated by the valley's beauty.
  • His quiet voice has a captivating quality.

Forms

captivate · captivates · captivated · captivating

Similar words

fascinate
Emphasizes strong interest or curiosity.
charm
Emphasizes delight through attractiveness or pleasing manner.