captivate Meaning, Definition & Usage

Cap"ti*vate transitive verb

Etymology

L. captivatus, p. p. of captivare to capture, fr. captivus captive. See Captive.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Captivated; present participle & verbal noun Captivating

Definitions

1. To take prisoner; to capture; to subdue. Obs.

   Their woes whom fortune captivates. Shak.

2. To acquire ascendancy over by reason of some art or attraction; to fascinate; to charm; as, Cleopatra captivated Antony; the orator captivated all hearts.

   Small landscapes of captivating loveliness. W. Irving.

   Syn. -- To enslave; subdue; overpower; charm; enchant; bewitch; facinate; capture; lead captive.

Cap"ti*vate participial adjective

Etymology

L. captivatus.

Definitions

1. Taken prisoner; made captive; insnared; charmed.

   Women have been captivate ere now. Shak.