Captivation: meaning, definitions and examples

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captivation

[ˌkæptɪˈveɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of being fascinated

The state of being captivated or fascinated by someone or something. It describes a strong feeling of interest, attention, or admiration towards a particular person, object, or situation. Captivation often involves a sense of enchantment or enthrallment.

Synonyms

enchantment, enthrallment, fascination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
captivation	Used when describing a state of being deeply interested or attracted to something, often in a somewhat neutral or positive light. The captivation of the audience was evident as the speaker shared his incredible story
fascination	Used to describe an intense interest or curiosity about something, often in a more casual or everyday context. His fascination with space travel led him to read every book he could find on the subject
enchantment	Commonly used in contexts involving magic, wonder, or a sense of being charmed, often with a fairytale-like quality. The enchanted forest was full of mystery and wonder, captivating all who entered
enthrallment	Often used when describing a sense of being completely absorbed or held under a spell, usually in an intense or overwhelming way. She felt a sense of enthrallment as she watched the captivating performance

Examples of usage

She found herself in a state of captivation by the mysterious stranger.
His captivation with the new technology was evident in the way he spoke about it.
The captivation of the audience was clear as they hung on every word of the speaker.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

the act of captivating

The action or process of captivating someone or something. It refers to the act of holding the attention or interest of others through charm, beauty, or other compelling qualities. Captivation can be intentional or unintentional.

Synonyms

charming, engrossing, spellbinding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
captivation	Typically used to describe an intense attraction or hold on someone's attention. Often has a positive connotation, implying something is very appealing or intriguing. Her speech had a unique captivation that held the audience's attention throughout
charming	Generally used to describe someone or something that is pleasant, attractive, and has a delightful effect. This word is often used in social settings, such as describing people, places, or experiences. The village was charming with its cobblestone streets and friendly locals
engrossing	Used when something is so interesting that it completely occupies one's thoughts or attention. This term is often used for books, movies, or other forms of entertainment. The novel was so engrossing that I couldn't put it down until I finished it
spellbinding	Typically used to describe something that is so fascinating or enchanting that it seems magical. Often associated with performances, storytelling, or natural phenomena. The magician's performance was absolutely spellbinding, leaving the audience in awe

Examples of usage

Her captivation of the audience was a result of her charismatic presence on stage.
The captivation of the children was achieved through the use of colorful illustrations.
His captivation of the jury played a crucial role in the outcome of the trial.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'captivare', which means 'to seize or take captive'.
It has roots in the word 'captive', highlighting the idea of being taken in or held by something fascinating.

Psychology

Captivation often involves an emotional response, making us more open to receiving new information.
Humans are wired to respond to novel stimuli, which explains why we can become captivated by surprising or mysterious elements.

Literature

Many authors use captivating narratives to draw readers in, creating a bond through vivid imagery and relatable characters.
Captivation in storytelling can lead to deep emotional engagement, impacting how we empathize with characters' journeys.

Pop Culture

Certain movies or books become cultural phenomena by captivating large audiences, making us talk about them for years.
Magicians and performers often aim for captivation to hold the audience's gaze, using tricks and presentations that dazzle.

Education

Captivating teaching methods can enhance student engagement, making learning more enjoyable and effective.
Interactive activities and storytelling are often employed in classrooms to capture students’ attention and foster a love for learning.

Translations

Translations of the word "captivation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cativação

🇮🇳 मोह

🇩🇪 Faszination

🇮🇩 daya tarik

🇺🇦 захоплення

🇵🇱 zachwyt

🇯🇵 魅了

🇫🇷 captivation

🇪🇸 cautivación

🇹🇷 büyülenme

🇰🇷 매혹

🇸🇦 افتتان

🇨🇿 okouzlení

🇸🇰 okúzlenie

🇨🇳 迷住

🇸🇮 očaranje

🇮🇸 heillun

🇰🇿 баурау

🇬🇪 მოხიბვლა

🇦🇿 məftunluq

🇲🇽 cautivación

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,796, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

...
39793 mirthlessly
39794 abracadabra
39795 grittiness
39796 captivation
39797 shirker
39798 dorky
39799 slinked
...