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

With little in the way of bells and whistles (no choreo here), the star held the Glastonbury crowd transfixed for the duration of her set. —Kerry McDermott, Vogue, 1 July 2024

The crowd, despite being packed to the gills, was dead silent at moments, simply transfixed by what was taking place in front of them. —Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2024

And many will continue to be transfixed by the crisis du jour in the Middle East. —Elbridge Colby, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2019

Like many of us, he was transfixed by the massive screens and the crystal-clear images projected on them. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Feb. 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