Infatuate

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1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation

Infatuate (verb) = to inspire an intense but short-lived passion or admiration in someone; to cause someone to become foolishly or obsessively attracted to someone or something.

“Infatuate” is the verb form of infatuation, and it describes the action of causing someone to fall into that intense, idealized state of attraction. When someone or something infatuates you, they capture your attention and emotions so completely that you become obsessed, irrational, and unable to see clearly. The word suggests that this attraction happens to you rather than being a conscious choice—you become infatuated almost against your will.

The word is almost always used in the passive voice: “be infatuated with” rather than “infatuate someone.” This grammatical pattern reflects how infatuation feels—like something that happens to you rather than something you actively do. You don’t decide to become infatuated; you find yourself in that state, often unexpectedly and without full control.

Being infatuated carries the same characteristics as the noun: intensity without depth, idealization over reality, obsessive thinking, and temporary duration. When you’re infatuated with someone, you see them through rose-colored glasses, overlook their flaws, and build them up in your imagination beyond who they really are. The feelings are powerful but not based on genuine knowledge of the person.

The word has a slightly negative or dismissive tone—it suggests someone is being foolish, blind to reality, or acting irrationally. Saying “he’s infatuated with her” implies his feelings aren’t mature or realistic, that he’s not seeing her clearly.

Examples from the street:

• “He became infatuated with her after just one conversation” → He developed intense, obsessive attraction following a single interaction, though he barely knows her
• “She’s completely infatuated with the new teacher—it’s embarrassing” → She’s experiencing overwhelming, irrational attraction toward the instructor that’s obvious and uncomfortable to witness
• “Don’t let yourself become infatuated with someone you’ve only seen on social media” → Avoid developing intense, idealized feelings for a person you know only through curated online presence

2. Most Common Patterns

• be infatuated with someone/something → experience intense, idealized attraction (most common pattern, passive)
• become infatuated with → fall into a state of obsessive attraction
• get infatuated → develop irrational, intense feelings (informal)
• completely/totally infatuated → intensifiers emphasizing the overwhelming nature
• easily infatuated → tendency to develop intense attractions quickly or frequently
• infatuated by + quality/appearance → attracted by specific characteristics (less common than “with”)

3. Idioms

Note: There are no common idioms directly containing “infatuate” — these are related expressions:

• swept off your feet → become suddenly and intensely infatuated or fall in love quickly

  Example: “She was swept off her feet by his charm and confidence.”

• lose your head over someone → become so infatuated you act irrationally

  Example: “Don’t lose your head over someone you just met—take time to really know them.”

4. Example Sentences

1. He became infatuated with his lab partner despite knowing almost nothing about her personally

   → He developed intense, obsessive attraction toward his study companion even though he lacked genuine understanding of her character.

2. Teenagers are easily infatuated because their brains are still developing emotional regulation

   → Young people frequently fall into states of intense, idealized attraction due to incomplete neurological maturity.

3. She was completely infatuated with the idea of living abroad, ignoring all the practical challenges

   → She experienced overwhelming, unrealistic attraction to the concept of international life, overlooking actual difficulties.

4. His friends warned him not to get infatuated with someone he’d only met online

   → His companions cautioned against developing intense, fantasy-based feelings for a person known only through digital interaction.

5. I was infatuated with him for months, but once we actually dated, the feelings disappeared

   → I experienced obsessive attraction for an extended period, but once reality replaced fantasy, emotions vanished.

6. The celebrity’s charm and charisma infatuated millions of fans worldwide

   → The famous person’s appealing qualities caused countless people to develop intense, idealized admiration.

7. She’s so infatuated she can’t see his obvious flaws and red flags

   → Her intense, irrational attraction prevents her from recognizing clear negative qualities and warning signs.

8. Don’t let yourself become infatuated with the first person who shows you attention

   → Avoid falling into obsessive, idealized attraction simply because someone demonstrates interest in you.

9. He was infatuated by her intelligence and wit from their very first conversation

   → Her mental qualities immediately inspired his intense, overwhelming attraction during initial interaction.

10. Being infatuated feels intense but usually fades once you get to know the person

    → Experiencing obsessive, idealized attraction seems powerful but typically diminishes when reality replaces fantasy.

5. Personal Examples

1. Students sometimes become infatuated with certain aspects of English, like idioms, then lose interest when the novelty wears off

   → Learners occasionally develop intense, obsessive focus on specific language features that fades when initial excitement diminishes.

2. When students are infatuated with a particular topic, I channel that energy into deeper learning before enthusiasm disappears

   → When learners experience intense, temporary passion for subject matter, I redirect excitement toward substantial education quickly.

6. Register: Formal

✔ Native usage tips

• “Be infatuated with” is the standard pattern—almost always passive voice
• The verb form is less common in everyday speech than the noun “infatuation” or adjective “infatuated”
• Using this word about someone implies their feelings are irrational or won’t last
• “Completely/totally infatuated” emphasizes the overwhelming, consuming nature of feelings

✔ Similar expressions / words

• Obsessed with → emphasizes the consuming, unhealthy nature more than “infatuated”
• Smitten with → more charming and less critical; suggests intense attraction without the negative judgment
• Captivated by → focuses on being fascinated or charmed; slightly more positive than “infatuated”