The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

fascinating \fascinating\ adj.
   1. capable of holding the attention; as, a fascinating story.

   Syn: absorbing, engrossing, gripping, riveting, spellbinding.
        [WordNet 1.5]

   2. capturing interest as if by a spell; as, a fascinating
      woman.

   Syn: bewitching, captivating, enchanting, enthralling,
        entrancing.
        [WordNet 1.5]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Fascinate \Fas"ci*nate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fascinated, p.
   pr. & vb. n.. Fascinating.] [L. fascinare; cf. Gr.
   ?????????? to slander, bewitch.]
   1. To influence in an uncontrollable manner; to operate on by
      some powerful or irresistible charm; to bewitch; to
      enchant.
      [1913 Webster]

            It has been almost universally believed that . . .
            serpents can stupefy and fascinate the prey which
            they are desirous to obtain.          --Griffith
                                                  (Cuvier).
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To excite and allure irresistibly or powerfully; to charm;
      to captivate, as by physical or mental charms.
      [1913 Webster]

            There be none of the passions that have been noted
            to fascinate or bewitch but love and envy. --Bacon.

   Syn: To charm; enrapture; captivate; enchant; bewitch;
        attract.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

fascinating
    adj 1: capable of arousing and holding the attention; "a
           fascinating story" [syn: absorbing, engrossing,
           fascinating, gripping, riveting]
    2: capturing interest as if by a spell; "bewitching smile";
       "Roosevelt was a captivating speaker"; "enchanting music";
       "an enthralling book"; "antique papers of entrancing design";
       "a fascinating woman" [syn: bewitching, captivating,
       enchanting, enthralling, entrancing, fascinating]