captivate
verb
cap·ti·vate ˈkap-tə-ˌvāt 
captivated; captivating
transitive verb
1
: to influence and dominate by some special charm, art, or trait and with an irresistible appeal
We were captivated by her beauty.
The scenery captivated our attention.
2
archaic : seize, capture
captivation
ˌkap-tə-ˈvā-shən
noun captivator
ˈkap-tə-ˌvā-tər
noun 
Synonyms
- allure
- beguile
- bewitch
- charm
- enchant
- fascinate
- kill
- magnetize
- wile
- witch [archaic]
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
The play has been captivating audiences for years. the clown captivated the toddlers with his balloon tricks
Recent Examples on the Web These stories captivate young and old readers, provoking thrill and worry. 
Isaac Fitzgerald, The Atlantic, 10 Aug. 2022 Sometimes, a seemingly simple question can captivate the entire Internet. Jacob Livesay, USA TODAY, 28 July 2022 Action sports have a wow factor and the ability to captivate an audience effectively, providing the underpinnings for growth, said David Hirschfeld, Fiume’s chief investment officer. Maria Armental, WSJ, 19 July 2022 The festival’s promoter, Goldenvoice, has made concerted efforts to captivate Latino audiences in recent years. Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2022 North Beach Just over the Harbor Bridge from downtown Corpus Christi, North Beach will captivate the whole family with its terrific attractions. Robin Soslow, Chron, 3 May 2022 College football and its national championship always will captivate the South. Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY, 13 May 2022 Finally, as is fitting for a totemic figure in the world of entertainment whose blockbusters continue to captivate millions to this day, the family signed off on a note of optimism. Vogue, 30 Mar. 2022 With its ease of access and potential of exploitation, expect more TV series to use podcast source material with in-depth stories to captivate their audiences and keep them engrossed in the universe. Josh Wilson, Forbes, 6 July 2022 See More
Isaac Fitzgerald, The Atlantic, 10 Aug. 2022 Sometimes, a seemingly simple question can captivate the entire Internet. Jacob Livesay, USA TODAY, 28 July 2022 Action sports have a wow factor and the ability to captivate an audience effectively, providing the underpinnings for growth, said David Hirschfeld, Fiume’s chief investment officer. Maria Armental, WSJ, 19 July 2022 The festival’s promoter, Goldenvoice, has made concerted efforts to captivate Latino audiences in recent years. Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2022 North Beach Just over the Harbor Bridge from downtown Corpus Christi, North Beach will captivate the whole family with its terrific attractions. Robin Soslow, Chron, 3 May 2022 College football and its national championship always will captivate the South. Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY, 13 May 2022 Finally, as is fitting for a totemic figure in the world of entertainment whose blockbusters continue to captivate millions to this day, the family signed off on a note of optimism. Vogue, 30 Mar. 2022 With its ease of access and potential of exploitation, expect more TV series to use podcast source material with in-depth stories to captivate their audiences and keep them engrossed in the universe. Josh Wilson, Forbes, 6 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
see captive entry 1
First Known Use
circa 1555, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Kids Definition
captivate
verb
cap·ti·vate ˈkap-tə-ˌvāt
captivated; captivating
: to fascinate by some special charm
The play is captivating audiences.
captivator
noun
as in charmer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- charmer
- cavalier
- lady's man
- prince
- gentleman
- ladies' man
- knight
- smoothie
- petit-maître
- blade
- aristocrat
- fop
- smoothy
- beau
- dude
- gallant
- swell
- patrician
- dandy
- jay
- Galahad
- blood
- Beau Brummell
- buck