Infatuation vs. Limerence — What's the Difference?

Infatuation or being smitten is the state of being carried away by an unreasoned passion, usually towards another person for whom one has developed strong romantic or platonic feelings. Psychologist Frank D. Cox says that infatuation can be distinguished from romantic love only when looking back on a particular case of being attracted to a person.

Limerence is a state of mind which results from romantic or non-romantic feelings for another person and typically includes obsessive thoughts and fantasies as well as a desire to form or maintain a relationship with the object of love and to have one's feelings reciprocated. Limerence can also be defined as an involuntary state of intense desire.

To inspire with unreasoning love or attachment.

(psychology) An involuntary romantic infatuation with another person, especially combined with an overwhelming, obsessive need to have one's feelings reciprocated.

To cause to behave foolishly.

Infatuated.

An immensely strong love or sexual attraction.

(obsolete) The act of infatuating; the state of being infatuated; madness.

Something which infatuates.

The act of infatuating; the state of being infatuated; folly; that which infatuates.

Foolish and usually extravagant passion or love or admiration

Temporary love of an adolescent

An object of extravagant short-lived passion