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):

fascinate
    v 1: cause to be interested or curious [syn: intrigue,
         fascinate]
    2: to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing
       terror or awe; "The snake charmer fascinates the cobra" [syn:
       fascinate, transfix, grip, spellbind]
    3: attract; cause to be enamored; "She captured all the men's
       hearts" [syn: capture, enamour, trance, catch,
       becharm, enamor, captivate, beguile, charm,
       fascinate, bewitch, entrance, enchant]