rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryfascinationCaptivating interest
noun

fascination

fas-ih-NAY-shun/ˌfæsɪˈneɪʃn/

Strong interest or attraction that holds attention.

The visitor watches the mechanical exhibit with fascination.

A museum visitor leaning forward in rapt attention to an intricate mechanical exhibit, intense fascination through gaze, no written museum labels.
Etymology
fascinLatinbewitch, enchant
+ationLatinaction or state

Latin fascinare meant to bewitch or enchant. Fascination shifted from the act of casting a spell to an absorbing attraction that holds someone's attention as though under a spell.

In context

LifesBiggestQuestions140:39
Heinrich himler head of the SS had a deep fascination with the occult and believed the Caucasus might hold Clues to the origins of the the Arian race him's organization the ananura scoured the world for ancient knowledge
3 Hours Of Ancient Megalithic Structures That Humans Could Not Have Built

More examples

  • She felt a fascination with maps.
  • His fascination grew.
  • They shared the same fascination.

Forms

fascination

fascinate verb — hold someone’s interest strongly

Similar words

interest
Attention without necessarily intense absorption.
captivation
The state of being strongly held by attraction.