Englishfascinate
verb
he was fascinated by Laura's stories:
engross, captivate, absorb, interest, enchant, beguile, bewitch, enthrall, enrapture, entrance, hold spellbound, transfix, rivet, mesmerize, hypnotize, spellbind, occupy, engage, compel;
allure, lure, tempt, entice, draw, tantalize;
charm, attract, intrigue, delight, divert, entertain, amuse.
▷antonyms bore; repel.