riveted

riv·et  (rvt)

n.

A metal bolt or pin having a head on one end, inserted through aligned holes in the pieces to be joined and then hammered on the plain end so as to form a second head.

tr.v. riv·et·ed, riv·et·ing, riv·ets

1. To fasten or secure with or as if with a rivet.

2. To hammer the headless end of so as to form a head and fasten something.

3. To fasten or secure firmly; fix.

4. To engross or hold (the attention, for example).

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[Middle English, from Old French river, to attach.]

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rivet·er n.

Thesaurus

riveted

adjective

1. rooted, fixed, frozen, motionless, immobile, unable to move, stock still They stood aghast, riveted to the spot.

2. fascinated, absorbed, entranced, captivated, enthralled, engrossed, rapt, spellbound, mesmerized, hypnotized The Germans and Italians are riveted by his songs.