The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Fascination \Fas`ci*na"tion\, n. [L. fascinatio; cf. F.
   fascination.]
   1. The act of fascinating, bewitching, or enchanting;
      enchantment; witchcraft; the exercise of a powerful or
      irresistible influence on the affections or passions;
      unseen, inexplicable influence.
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            The Turks hang old rags . . . upon their fairest
            horses, and other goodly creatures, to secure them
            against fascination.                  --Waller.
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   2. The state or condition of being fascinated.
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   3. That which fascinates; a charm; a spell.
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            There is a certain bewitchery or fascination in
            words.                                --South.
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

fascination
    n 1: the state of being intensely interested (as by awe or
         terror) [syn: fascination, captivation]
    2: a feeling of great liking for something wonderful and unusual
       [syn: captivation, enchantment, enthrallment,
       fascination]
    3: the capacity to attract intense interest; "he held the
       children spellbound with magic tricks and other fascinations"