Fascinate - The oldest meaning of fascinate, “to bewitch” or “to cast a spell over,” comes from the word’s origins in the Latin word for “evil spell.” Over time, that meaning has broadened to mean “to cause to be very interested in,” the idea of “evil” dropping away and leaving the idea of a “spell” or something that attracts and holds our attention.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/evil-origin-of-fascinate