noun

infatuation

in-fach-oo-AY-shuhn/ɪnˌfætʃuˈeɪʃn/

An intense, often short-lived and unreasonable attraction to someone or something.

Infatuation leaves the cafe guest gazing dreamily at a new acquaintance.

An adult gazes dreamily at a newly met adult across a cafe table, intense romantic fascination and distracted untouched drink, no hearts or text.

Etymology

inLatinin, into

+fatuLatinfoolish

+ationLatinaction or state

The pieces point to being brought into foolishness: the underlying verb meant “make a fool of.” This developed into inspiring a passion beyond reason, connecting foolishness with overwhelming romantic fascination.

In context

Arkham666248:52

her infatuation with Lagona, or Sir Lagona as she likes to call him. She sees him as some dashing knight from a dream and even keeps a small shrine to him on the Balum Garden servers.

The PS1 Final Fantasy trilogy Retrospective: why we still love them.

More examples

His infatuation with his coworker fades after a few weeks.
She mistakes a brief infatuation for lasting love.
My infatuation with expensive watches is getting out of hand.

Forms

infatuation · infatuations

Similar words

crush: Usually romantic and person-focused; infatuation also covers things.
obsession: Emphasizes persistent, consuming thoughts rather than intense attraction alone.
fascination: Emphasizes absorbing interest, without necessarily suggesting foolishness or brevity.