captivate

Where does the word "captivate" come from? It comes from Latin capere, passing through Latin before entering English (1500s).

Captivate’s story begins in Latin: capere meant “to take, to seize.” The root of 'capture', 'captive' and 'capable'. Within Latin, it grew into captivare by ancient. Used literally of taking prisoners of war. It reached English by 1500s as captivate. Settled as the English word for attracting and holding someone's interest completely. Today, captivate means to attract and completely hold someone's attention or interest.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient capere "to take, to seize", the root of 'capture', 'captive' and 'capable'.
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient captivare "to take captive", used literally of taking prisoners of war.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s captivate "to attract and hold someone's interest completely", settled as the English word for attracting and holding someone's interest completely.