Definition

1. Noun:
   • A feeling of great liking for something wonderful and unusual: The state of being charmed, fascinated, or enchanted by something.
   • The state of being intensely interested (as by awe or terror): A condition of having one's complete attention held, often by something powerful, compelling, or overwhelming.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The magician's performance held the audience in complete captivation.
  • She listened to the story with rapt captivation, not wanting it to end.
  • The captivation he felt for ancient history began during a childhood visit to a museum.

Advanced Usage

• "To hold someone in captivation": To completely absorb someone's attention and interest.
  • The gripping documentary held viewers in captivation for its entire two-hour runtime.
• "A look/spell of captivation": A state or period of being captivated.
  • He watched the eagle soar with a look of pure captivation on his face.

Variants and Related Words

• Captivate (verb): To attract and hold the interest and attention of; to charm.
  • The speaker's passion captivated the entire conference hall.
• Captivating (adjective): Fascinating; charming; able to attract and hold interest.
  • She has a captivating smile.

Synonyms

• Fascination: The power to attract irresistibly.
• Enchantment: A feeling of great pleasure or delight.
• Allure: The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating.
• Mesmerization: The act of holding someone's attention completely.

Antonyms

• Boredom: The state of feeling weary and impatient because one is unoccupied or lacks interest.
• Indifference: Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.
• Repulsion: A feeling of intense distaste or disgust.

Noun

1. a feeling of great liking for something wonderful and unusual
2. the state of being intensely interested (as by awe or terror)