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Infatuate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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infatuate

[ɪnˈfætʃuˌeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

romantic obsession

To infatuate means to be inspired with an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone. It often involves being blindly in love or obsessed with someone, seeing them as perfect and idealizing them.

Synonyms

besotted, captivated, enamor, smitten.

Examples of usage

  • She was infatuated with him and couldn't stop thinking about him.
  • He became infatuated with her beauty and charm.
  • I was infatuated with the idea of love at first sight.
Context #2 | Verb

charmed by someone or something

To infatuate can also mean to cause someone to be filled with a foolish and extravagant passion or desire for someone or something. It implies a strong but somewhat irrational attraction.

Synonyms

beguile, captivate, entrance, fascinate.

Examples of usage

  • The audience was infatuated by the magician's tricks.
  • She was infatuated by the idea of living in a foreign country.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Infatuation often includes intense emotions and idealization of the person, leading to heightened feelings of excitement.
  • Studies suggest that infatuated individuals may experience a rush of dopamine, similar to the effects of certain drugs, creating a 'high' feeling.

Literature

  • Many classic romantic tales, from Shakespeare to modern novels, explore themes of infatuation, illustrating both its beauty and fleeting nature.
  • In 'Pride and Prejudice', characters experience infatuation, showcasing how superficial attraction can evolve into deeper understanding.

Pop Culture

  • Songs about infatuation often express the blend of excitement and heartache, like Katy Perry's 'Teenage Dream' capturing youthful crushes.
  • Movies like '10 Things I Hate About You' portray teenage infatuation, highlighting the charm and chaos that comes with young love.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, infatuation is seen as a rite of passage before developing more serious relationships, emphasizing its role in personal growth.
  • Various traditions celebrate youthful love, illustrating how infatuation reflects broader societal values about romance and relationships.

Origin of 'infatuate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'infatuare', meaning to make foolish, emphasizing how love can sometimes cloud judgment.
  • First documented use in English occurred in the early 17th century, showing how love and admiration have always fascinated people.

The word 'infatuate' has its roots in the Latin word 'infatuatus', which means 'to make foolish'. It entered the English language in the mid-16th century and has been used to describe a strong but often irrational passion or admiration for someone or something. The concept of infatuation has been explored in literature, art, and psychology, highlighting the intense and sometimes fleeting nature of this emotional state.

See also: infatuated, infatuation.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,008, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.