Besottedness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The state of being infatuated or enchanted with someone or something
2. A deep and overwhelming affection or attachment that clouds one's judgment or perception
3. The condition of experiencing intense and often irrational love or admiration towards another person or an idea

Etymology: Besotted is the older half of this word. It comes from the verb "besot," formed in English from "be-" and "sot," a word for a fool, and "besotted" was the adjective built on it, meaning stupefied or infatuated. The noun "besottedness" is simply that adjective with the suffix "-ness" added, a pattern English has used for centuries to turn qualities into nouns. The "-ness" element descends from Old English "-nes," which in turn comes from Germanic roots meaning a state or condition. The sense of the adjective has shifted over time. Its early force was closer to intoxication or dullness, a mind stupefied by drink or fancy, and it still carries that sense of being muddled. The modern noun keeps the picture of a person whose judgment has been dulled by attachment, so affection becomes a kind of stupor. The "sot" at its root is a reminder that the original insult was about foolishness, and the noun carries the same suggestion of a clouded mind.

Synonyms: infatuation, obsession, fascination