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Infatuated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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infatuated

[ɪnˈfætʃuˌeɪtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

with someone or something

To be infatuated means to be filled with an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something.

Synonyms

besotted, captivated, enamored.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infatuated

Used to describe a short-lived but intense passion or admiration for someone or something, often without a deep understanding or realistic perception.

  • She was infatuated with her new colleague, although they barely knew each other
  • Max was infatuated with the idea of moving to Paris
enamored

Describes a warm feeling of love, admiration, or fascination for someone or something, and is often used for longer-term feelings.

  • He became enamored with her kindness and generosity
  • She was enamored with the quaint charm of the small town
besotted

Refers to being strongly and often foolishly obsessed with someone, usually implying a sense of being blinded by love or desire.

  • He was completely besotted with his childhood crush
  • She acted like a besotted teenager around him
captivated

Means being strongly attracted and held by someone's charm or by an intriguing idea, often in a more positive, less overwhelming manner.

  • The audience was captivated by the speaker's words
  • She was captivated by the beauty of the sunset

Examples of usage

  • He was infatuated with her beauty.
  • She was infatuated with the idea of love at first sight.
Context #2 | Verb

with someone

To infatuate someone means to cause them to be filled with an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for you.

Synonyms

bewitch, enchant, fascinate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
infatuated

This word is used when someone is obsessively in love with someone or something, often without rational basis. It conveys a sense of exaggerated or temporary passion.

  • She's completely infatuated with her new boyfriend, talking about him all the time.
  • He became infatuated with the idea of becoming a rock star.
enchant

This word is used when someone is delighted or charmed by something or someone. It has positive connotations and often implies a magical or fairy-tale quality.

  • The beautiful performance enchanted the audience.
  • He was enchanted by the scenic beauty of the countryside.
fascinate

This word is used when someone is deeply interested or intrigued by something or someone. It can be used both for positive and neutral situations.

  • Science fiction movies always fascinate him.
  • The story of her adventures in the jungle fascinated everyone at the gathering.
bewitch

This word is used when someone is put under a spell or charm, often in a magical or figurative sense. It can have a slightly negative connotation, implying manipulation or deception.

  • The mysterious stranger bewitched everyone at the party with her captivating stories.
  • She felt as if she had been bewitched by his mesmerizing eyes.

Examples of usage

  • She quickly infatuated him with her charm.
  • He was infatuated by her intelligence.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Infatuation can often be confused with love, but it's more about intense attraction and obsession rather than deep emotional connection.
  • It's linked to the brain's release of dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure and excitement.
  • This intense attachment typically lasts from a few months to a couple of years before often fading away.

Literature

  • Infatuation is a common theme in literature, often depicted as the spark that starts romantic adventures in novels and poetry.
  • Famous literary works, like 'Romeo and Juliet', showcase characters who experience infatuation as a driving force behind their actions.
  • Many poets have captured the fleeting nature of infatuation, illustrating how it can seem all-consuming yet eventually fade.

Pop Culture

  • Songs often depict infatuation, with lyrics that express overwhelming feelings and desires, such as Taylor Swift's 'Love Story'.
  • Movies like '10 Things I Hate About You' portray teenage infatuation, highlighting the drama and intensity of young love.
  • Social media has amplified infatuation culture, with many young people sharing intense crushes in short viral videos.

Sociology

  • Infatuation can impact social behavior, often causing individuals to act differently or take risks to impress the person of their affection.
  • Cultural norms influence how infatuation is expressed, with some societies celebrating it openly while others may view it as foolish.
  • In some contexts, infatuation can lead to significant social dynamics, influencing friendships and group relationships.

Origin of 'infatuated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'infatuatus', meaning 'to be foolish or weak in mind'.
  • It combines 'in-' (not) and 'fatuus' (foolish), indicating a lack of sense often seen in strong attraction.
  • The term began to appear in English around the early 17th century, capturing a sense of foolish love.

The word 'infatuated' comes from the Latin word 'infatuatus', which means 'to be made foolish'. It was first used in the English language in the 17th century. The concept of infatuation has been a common theme in literature and art throughout history, often depicting the irrationality and intensity of temporary passion.

See also: infatuate, infatuation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,994, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.