Fascination

/ˌfæsɪˈneɪʃən/

nounmedium📊CommonEmotion
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

1

The state of being extremely interested in something or someone.

/ˌfæsɪˈneɪʃən/

nounpositivemedium
Emotion

A state of being intensely interested in something.

Her fascination with astronomy led her to study the stars every night.

💡 Simply: It's like when you find something so cool and interesting that you can't stop thinking about it. Like when you see a magic trick, or learn about something new.

👶 For kids: When you're really, really interested in something and can't stop looking at it or thinking about it.

More Examples

2

The documentary sparked a renewed fascination with ancient civilizations.

3

The artist's work held a strange fascination for the viewers.

4

The detective developed a fascination with unsolved mysteries.

How It's Used

General

"The museum's exhibits held a strong fascination for the children."

Psychology

"Psychologists study the factors that contribute to human fascination with certain images and ideas."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

hold a fascination for

To be very interesting or attractive to someone.

"The ocean holds a great fascination for many people."

From Late Latin *fascinationem*, from *fascinare* 'to bewitch, enchant,' from *fascinum* 'a charm, enchantment,' likely of Italic origin.

The word 'fascination' has been used since the 16th century, initially to describe a charm or enchantment, and gradually evolving to its current meaning of intense interest.

Memory tip

Think of a fascinating story; it captures your attention completely.

Word Origin

LanguageLate Latin
Original meaning

"a charm, enchantment"

a fascination witha lifelong fascinationa strange fascinationdevelop a fascinationhold a fascination

Common misspellings

fasinationfascinatation

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written