'captivate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'captivare,' where 'captivus' meant 'captive.'

'captivare' transformed into the French word 'captiver,' and eventually became the modern English word 'captivate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to take or hold captive,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to attract or hold the interest of.'