German word

fesseln

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfɛsl̩n/

Meaning

  • verbfascinate

Example

Der Film fesselt mich.

The film fascinates me.

Illustration for fesseln (fascinate)

More examples

Das Buch fesselte meine Fantasie.

The book captivated my imagination.

Core concept

A viewer sits motionless while a story holds the mind as tightly as physical fetters hold the body.

Common phrases

  • die Fantasie fesseln

    captivate the imagination

  • einen Gesprächspartner fesseln

    captivate a conversation partner

Similar words

interessieren: To draw someone's attention and awaken their interest.
faszinieren: To fascinate someone by provoking deep curiosity or amazement.
begeistern: To inspire intense enjoyment and eager enthusiasm in someone.
mitreißen: To sweep someone up in an energetic and emotional experience.

Definition in German

Jmdn. so sehr in seinen Bann ziehen, dass er aufmerksam und gebannt bleibt; wörtlich jemanden mit Fesseln binden.

Word origin

The verb fesseln comes from the noun Fessel, a fetter or restraint, and extends literal physical binding to the figurative capture of attention.

Usage tips

  • Fesseln takes the person held spellbound as an accusative object, as in Der Film fesselt mich.

Other meanings

  • bindverb

Opposites

Related words

  • fesselndcaptivatingadjective

Word lists with this word