infatuated
UK: ɪnˈfætʃueɪtɪd | US: ɪnˈfætʃueɪtɪd
adj. filled with foolish or obsessive love or admiration
vt. (past tense) caused to be foolishly or irrationally obsessed
infatuated = in<into, negative> + fatu<foolish> + ated<adjective suffix>
- in (Latin prefix): "into" or negative force (e.g., inactive). Here, it intensifies the root.
- fatu (from Latin fatuus): "foolish, silly" (also seen in fatuous).
- ated (adjective suffix): indicates a state or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin infatuare ("to make foolish"), combining in- (intensifier) and fatuus (foolish). Originally describing literal folly, it evolved in Middle English to emphasize irrational obsession, particularly in love. The progression reflects how infatuation clouds judgment, akin to temporary foolishness.
She was infatuated with the idea of becoming famous overnight.
His infatuated gaze never left her during the entire party.
Teenagers often feel infatuated with their first crush.
The crowd grew infatuated with the charismatic speaker.
He wrote infatuated letters to her every day.