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DictionaryrivetHold attention
verb

rivet

RIV-it/rˈɪvʌt/

To hold attention completely.

The magician's trick rivets the young woman's attention.

A young woman is riveted by an older magician's close-up performance: she leans forward with wide, unwavering eyes fixed on a tiny ball appearing beneath a lifted cup, her snack paused halfway to her mouth.
Etymology
riverOld Frenchto clench or fasten; deeper origin uncertain

Fastening with rivets became a metaphor for holding attention fixed in place.

More examples

  • The unfolding story rivets her.
  • The speaker rivets everyone's attention.

Forms

rivet · rivets

Similar words

captivate
Attract and hold interest, often through charm.
absorb
Occupy attention so fully that other things recede.