transfix

verb

trans·​fix tran(t)s-ˈfiks 

transfixed; transfixing; transfixes

transitive verb

1

: to hold motionless by or as if by piercing

he stood transfixed by her gaze

2

: to pierce through with or as if with a pointed weapon : impale

transfixion

tran(t)s-ˈfik-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• gore
• harpoon
• impale
• jab
• lance
• peck
• pick
• pierce
• pink
• puncture
• run through
• skewer
• spear
• spike
• spit
• stab
• stick
• transpierce

Examples of transfix in a Sentence

transfixed the inanimate butterfly specimens to the collection board

Recent Examples on the Web

Lynch made Twin Peaks his first TV project in 1990, immediately transfixing viewers with an enigmatic mystery centered around the murder of high school student Laura Palmer in the fictional town of Twin Peaks, Wa. — a vibe heightened by Angelo Badalamenti’s moody and atmospheric score. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 16 Jan. 2025

At one Leaders In Technology Dinner reception, I was transfixed as Shapiro casually introduced Black Eyed Peas co-founder and frontman will.i.am to inventor Dean Kamen right in front of me, as actress Lucy Lawless from Zena the Warrior Princess stood alongside. —Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025

Thadeus writes a poem for the woman and child transfixed by the cave mouth. —Han Ong, The New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2025

Romy is transfixed by the soft, confident dominance Samuel wields over the canine. —Fran Tirado, Them, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin transfixus, past participle of transfigere, from trans- + figere to fasten, pierce — more at fix

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

transfix

verb

trans·​fix tran(t)s-ˈfiks 

1

: to pierce through with or as if with a pointed weapon

2

: to hold motionless by or as if by piercing

stood transfixed by her gaze