Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FAS'CI-NATE, v.t. [L. fascino; Gr. βασκαινω.]

1. To bewitch; to enchant; to operate on by some powerful or irresistible influence; to influence the passions or affections in an incontrollable manner. None of the affections have been noted to fascinate and be-witch, but love and envy. – Bacon.
2. To charm; to captivate; to excite and allure irresistibly or powerfully. The young are fascinated by love; female beauty fascinates the unguarded youth; gaming is a fascinating vice.