Infatuating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

❤️
Add to dictionary

infatuating

[ɪnˈfæʧ.ʊ.eɪ.tɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

emotional attraction

Infatuating describes a state of intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something. This overwhelming feeling can often lead to obsessive thoughts and actions towards the object of infatuation.

Synonyms

besotting, captivating, enchanting.

Examples of usage

  • His infatuating charm captivated everyone at the party.
  • She experienced infatuating feelings for her new coworker.
  • The infatuating sound of the music drew her in immediately.

Translations

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

Origin of 'infatuating'

The term 'infatuating' comes from the verb 'infatuate', which traces its roots back to the Latin word 'infatuare', meaning 'to make a fool of' or 'to foolishly attach oneself'. This Latin root is composed of 'in-' (not) and 'fatuus' (foolish). Originally, the term connoted a sense of being led astray by foolish attachments. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe a passionate, often irrational, attraction that is typically intense but lacks depth or permanence. Infatuation often refers to romantic feelings that can be consuming in their intensity, reflecting the complexities of human emotions and relationships. As the English language evolved, 'infatuate' and its derivatives became more commonly used to describe fleeting but powerful attractions that can affect behavior and decision-making.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,150, 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.