Infatuated Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɪnfəˈteɪʃəd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Infatuated is an adjective describing a state of mind characterized by an overwhelming obsession or intense attraction to something or someone, often to the point of irrational or exaggerated emotions.

Examples

1. “She became infatuated with the idea of traveling to Europe and spent hours researching destinations.”

2. “He was infatuated with the new smartphone and couldn’t stop talking about its features.”

Synonyms

1. Enamored

2. Smitten

3. Obsessed

Antonyms

1. Indifferent

2. Uninterested

3. Detached

Etymology

The word “infatuated” originated from the Latin words “in” (meaning “in”) and “fatuus” (meaning “foolish” or “crazy”), and was first used in the 15th century to describe a state of being utterly foolish or madly in love.

Additional Information

Infatuation is a common experience for many people, often triggered by a new fascination or attraction that dominates their thoughts and emotions. It can be a natural response to something exciting or novel, but it can also become an unhealthy obsession if taken to extremes. Infatuation can be intense and all-consuming, leading individuals to neglect other important aspects of their lives, such as relationships, work, or personal well-being.

Infatuation can manifest in different ways, such as a strong attachment to a person, a hobby, or a particular interest. It can also be fueled by social media, where people may become obsessed with online personas or curated highlights of others’ lives.

While infatuation can be a normal and even enjoyable experience, it’s essential to maintain a healthy balance and not let it interfere with daily life. Recognizing the signs of infatuation, such as an inability to focus on other things or an overwhelming preoccupation with the object of fascination, can help individuals take a step back and reassess their priorities.

Usage Notes

When using the word “infatuated,” be aware of the context in which it’s used. Infatuation can be a positive or negative experience, depending on the individual’s perspective and the consequences of their actions. In informal settings, people may use “infatuated” to describe their enthusiasm or excitement, but in more formal contexts, it’s essential to be mindful of the connotations and potential implications.

Cultural References

The term “infatuated” appears in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, the novel “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger features a protagonist who is infatuated with a former classmate, and the song “Infatuation” by Rod Stewart explores the theme of being utterly smitten with someone.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions related to infatuation include:

• “Head over heels” (completely infatuated)
• “Smitten” (strongly attracted to someone)
• “Love-struck” (completely enamored with someone)

Related Words or Phrases

Other words or phrases that are closely related to “infatuated” include:

• Enamored
• Smitten
• Obsessed
• Infatuation

Collocations

Some common collocations with “infatuated” include:

• “Infatuated with” (completely obsessed with something)
• “Infatuated by” (strongly attracted to someone or something)
• “Infatuated with someone” (completely enamored with a person)

Frequency of Use

The word “infatuated” is relatively common in modern language, particularly in informal settings. It’s often used to describe a strong attachment or enthusiasm for something, and can be found in various forms of media, including social media, literature, and music.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of “infatuated” include:

• Infatuatied
• Infatuated
• Infatuated