besot
UK: bɪˈsɒt | US: bɪˈsɑːt
vt. 1. To intoxicate or stupefy, especially with alcohol.
vt. 2. To infatuate or make foolishly obsessed (often used in passive voice: "besotted").
The word "besot" combines the intensifying prefix "be-" (Old English, meaning "thoroughly") with "sot," an archaic term for a habitual drunkard or fool (from Old English "sott," influenced by Old French "sot"). Originally, it described literal drunkenness but later expanded to figurative infatuation or obsession. The morpheme "sot" survives in modern English only within this compound, making "besot" a fossilized expression of foolish intoxication.
The strong ale seemed to besot him within minutes.
She was utterly besotted with her new romantic partner.
Don't let fame besot your judgment.
The wizard's potion besotted the guards, leaving them dazed.
His besotted gaze revealed his childish admiration.