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

Grimes was there, gaggle of kids orbiting her on the floor, transfixed. —Jaron Lanier, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024

Yet Marling is transfixed not by the individualism of the nuclear family, but the patterns that transcend generations. —Pitchfork, 3 Dec. 2024

The powers that be acknowledge Edwards as nothing short of transfixing. —Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

My idea of a perfect summer day was laying out on my bed, cracking open a novel and barely stirring, transfixed, for the entire afternoon. —Sarah Bahr, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024

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