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

While far from the cheeriest of movies, this is a curious fate for a sensitive, transfixing drama that further showcases the talents of one of Vietnam’s most exciting modern filmmakers. —Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 28 Mar. 2025

That's right, Penn Badgley will return as Joe Goldberg in the fifth and final season of the show about the obsessive young man who goes to extreme lengths to get close to people he becomes transfixed by. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025

Millions have been transfixed by videos of Karis Dadson, a California teenager who shows pigs at livestock competitions. —Scott Cacciola, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025

Weir is transfixed by a massive mixing board in the room. —Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 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

Rhymes for transfix

• chopsticks
• lipsticks
• picnics
• reliques
• toothpicks
• yardsticks
• biopolitics
• bolsheviks
• candlesticks
• crucifix
• intermix
• lunatics

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