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Hooked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽฃ
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hooked

[hสŠkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Addicted to a particular substance or activity.

Synonyms

addicted, dependent, obsessed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hooked

Formal or informal context to describe catching someoneโ€™s interest and keeping them engaged. Often used with entertainment or activities.

  • After reading the first chapter, I was totally hooked on the book
  • Kids nowadays are hooked on video games
addicted

Used to describe a compulsive need for or dependence on a substance or activity, often with negative connotations related to health or well-being.

  • He's addicted to smoking and can't quit despite multiple attempts
  • She became addicted to painkillers after her surgery
obsessed

Used when someone is overly preoccupied with something, often to an unhealthy degree, and is commonly used in both formal and informal settings.

  • She is obsessed with her appearance and spends hours in front of the mirror
  • He is obsessed with collecting rare coins
dependent

Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a reliance on something for functioning, which can be positive or negative.

  • Some people are dependent on caffeine to start their day
  • He is financially dependent on his parents while studying at university

Examples of usage

  • He was completely hooked on cigarettes.
  • She became hooked on social media.
Context #2 | Adjective

fascination

Fascinated or captivated by something.

Synonyms

captivated, engrossed, fascinated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hooked

Informal term often used to describe strong addiction or intense interest in something, sometimes with a negative connotation.

  • After the first episode, I was completely hooked on that series.
  • He's hooked on video games and spends hours playing every day.
fascinated

Indicates a strong interest or attraction to something, usually because it is unusual or intriguing.

  • The children were fascinated by the strange insects they found in the garden.
  • She's always been fascinated by ancient civilizations.
captivated

Used to describe being charmed or attracted by something, usually in a positive and enchanting way.

  • The audience was captivated by the magician's performance.
  • She was captivated by the breathtaking view.
engrossed

Describes being fully absorbed in something, often to the point of ignoring everything else around.

  • He was so engrossed in his book that he didn't hear the phone ring.
  • They were engrossed in their conversation and didn't notice the time.

Examples of usage

  • She was hooked on the idea of traveling the world.
  • The book had me hooked from the very first page.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being 'hooked' on an activity can trigger the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine, which makes you feel good.
  • Habits can form when the brain associates pleasure with an activity, leading to the feeling of being hooked.
  • Research shows that engagement in hobbies or interests can significantly enhance overall mental health and well-being.

Pop Culture

  • Many people describe getting 'hooked' on binge-watching shows on streaming platforms, indicating both fascination and compulsion.
  • In music, a catchy tune or chorus is often described as 'hooky,' keeping listeners coming back for more.
  • Online gaming communities often use the term to describe players who become intensely involved in the gameโ€™s storyline or mechanics.

Science

  • The term 'hooked' can also refer to how certain animals become trapped, using a physical hook as a way of survival or predation.
  • In evolutionary biology, behaviors that keep species 'hooked' to certain environments may be integral for survival and reproduction.
  • Neuroscience studies indicate that certain activities, such as playing video games or using social media, create patterns in brain activity that lead to a sense of being hooked.

Literature

  • In storytelling, elements like suspense and cliffhangers are used to keep readers or viewers 'hooked' to the narrative.
  • Authors often craft compelling characters and emotional arcs that create a strong bond, making readers feel hooked throughout the book.
  • The concept of being 'hooked' on books has been a theme in numerous literary works, reflecting the powerful impact of storytelling.

Origin of 'hooked'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hooked' comes from the Old English 'hoc', which refers to something curved or bent, like a fish hook.
  • Originally, 'hook' was used in a more literal sense, describing objects designed to catch or hold things securely.
  • The figurative sense of feeling 'hooked' on something first appeared in the early 19th century.

The word 'hooked' originated from the Middle English word 'hokked', which meant 'having a hook'. Over time, it evolved to describe being captivated or addicted to something. The usage of 'hooked' in its current sense became popular in the 20th century, particularly in reference to addiction.

See also: hook, hooking, hooks, hookup, unhook.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,971, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.