c. 1600, "act of bewitching," from Latin fascinationem (nominative fascinatio), noun of action from past participle stem of fascinare "bewitch, enchant" (see fascinate). Meaning "state of being fascinated" is from 1650s; that of "fascinating quality, attractive influence upon the attention" is from 1690s.[fascination etymology, fascination origin, 英语词源]