Fascinate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fascinated, p. pr. & vb. n.. Fascinating (.] — Webster enters it under “fascinate”
Etymology: [L. fascinare; cf. Gr.
1. To influence in an uncontrollable manner; to operate on by some powerful or irresistible charm; to bewitch; to enchant. It has been almost universally believed that . . . serpents can stupefy and fascinate the prey which they are desirous to obtain. Griffith (Cuvier).
2. To excite and allure irresistibly or powerfully; to charm; to captivate, as by physical or mental charms. there be none of the passions that have been noted to fascinate or bewhich but love and envy. Bacon.
Syn. -- To charm; enrapture; captivate; enchant; bewitch; attract.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for fascinating; he lists it under charming.
Where he writes about it:
That which is fascinating may win without delighting, drawing by some unseen power, as a serpent its prey; we can speak of horrible fascination. — from charming