Captivated: meaning, definitions and examples

😍

Add to dictionary

captivated

[ˈkæptɪˌveɪtɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

feeling of great interest or delight

To captivate means to hold the attention of someone by being interesting, charming, or attractive. It can also mean to fill someone with wonder and delight, to enchant or fascinate them. When someone is captivated, they are completely absorbed or engrossed in something.

Synonyms

charm, enchant, enthrall, fascinate, spellbind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
captivated	Used to describe someone who is very interested or attracted to something or someone, often in a positive and immersive way. She was captivated by the beauty of the sunset. The audience was captivated by the speaker's powerful message.
enchant	Used for situations where someone or something attracts others through a magical or extraordinary quality, often evoking a sense of wonder. The fairy tale enchanted the children. She enchanted the audience with her magical performance.
charm	Often used when someone or something attracts others through an appealing or pleasant manner. His smile can charm anyone. The old town's charm lies in its historical architecture and cobblestone streets.
fascinate	Describes a strong interest or curiosity often in something complex or unusual. The scientist’s talk on black holes will fascinate you. She is fascinated by ancient Egyptian history.
enthrall	Used to describe a situation where someone is so excited or interested that they can’t stop paying attention. The novel's intricate plot will enthrall readers. He was enthralled by the thrilling movie.
spellbind	Used for situations where someone is completely captivated and almost in a trance-like state, often used in storytelling contexts. The magician’s performance can spellbind any audience. The storyteller’s words had the power to spellbind the entire room.

Examples of usage

She was captivated by the beauty of the sunset.
The magician captivated the audience with his mesmerizing tricks.
The novel's plot had me captivated from beginning to end.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

charmed or delighted

If someone is described as captivated, it means they are under a spell or charm, feeling completely enchanted or delighted. It can also refer to being completely absorbed or engrossed in something, unable to look away.

Synonyms

delighted, enchanted, enthralled, mesmerized, spellbound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
captivated	Used when someone is deeply interested or attracted to something or someone. She was captivated by his smile. The audience was captivated by the thrilling performance.
enchanted	Used when someone feels a magical or charming attraction to something. It is often used to describe a fairy-tale or whimsical quality. She was enchanted by the beautiful garden. The story enchanted children of all ages.
delighted	Used when someone is extremely pleased or happy about something. It often implies a sense of joy and satisfaction. I was delighted to receive your letter. The children were delighted to see the fireworks.
mesmerized	Used when someone is so fascinated or hypnotized that they can't look away or think about anything else. The baby was mesmerized by the spinning mobile above her crib. The glowing city lights mesmerized the visitors.
spellbound	Used when someone is completely fascinated and can't break away, almost as if under a magic spell. The children were spellbound by the storyteller's voice. She listened, spellbound, to the beautiful music.
enthralled	Used when someone is so fascinated that they give all their attention and interest to something. The audience was enthralled by the magician's tricks. He was enthralled by the book and couldn't put it down.

Examples of usage

She had a captivated expression as she listened to the music.
The captivated audience applauded the performance enthusiastically.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'captivus,' which means 'taken captive' or 'held in captivity.'
It evolved in Middle English from the Old French 'captiver,' showcasing how language transforms through cultures.
Historically, the concept relates to being emotionally or intellectually taken over by a strong feeling or attraction.

Psychology

Psychological studies indicate that being captivated by something can enhance memory retention, making experiences feel more vivid.
Neuroscience suggests that when people are captivated, certain brain regions associated with pleasure and reward become activated.
This state of engagement is often linked to flow, a concept where individuals lose track of time due to deep concentration.

Pop Culture

Many blockbuster films aim to captivate audiences with stunning visuals and dramatic storytelling.
Pop stars often captivate fans through memorable performances that create a strong emotional connection.
Popular novels often feature captivating characters whose journeys keep readers hooked until the very end.

Art

Artists strive to create works that captivate viewers, invoking emotions that can linger long after they leave.
The use of color, form, and symbolism in art is designed to captivate the viewer and provoke thought.
Captivating performances in dance or theater often leave audiences in awe, illustrating the power of storytelling through movement.

Translations

Translations of the word "captivated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cativado

🇮🇳 मोहित

🇩🇪 gefangen

🇮🇩 terpikat

🇺🇦 захоплений

🇵🇱 zauroczył

🇯🇵 魅了された

🇫🇷 captivé

🇪🇸 cautivado

🇹🇷 büyülenmiş

🇰🇷 매료된

🇸🇦 مفتون

🇨🇿 okouzlený

🇸🇰 okúzlený

🇨🇳 迷住

🇸🇮 očaran

🇮🇸 heillaður

🇰🇿 еліктірілген

🇬🇪 მოხიბლული

🇦🇿 cəlb edilmiş

🇲🇽 cautivado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,808, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19805 idyllic
19806 unorthodox
19807 battering
19808 captivated
19809 calmer
19810 lovable
19811 stabilizer
...