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

Both teams were strangely transfixed by this sudden spell of inaccuracy. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 31 Oct. 2024

Wilson and Farmiga are immediately transfixing as the intense yet empathetic investigators at the center of the series, while Lili Taylor gives a terrifying, unpredictable performance as the victim of demonic fury. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2024

The black-and-white striping of, say, fifty to a hundred tiny penguins all lined up (a favorite visual refrain of hers) is optically transfixing. —Sarah Lehrer-Graiwer, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2024

Nicole Kidman's new Netflix’s hit The Perfect Couple has TV fans transfixed, but the show is anything but new to her husband, Keith Urban. —Mark Gray, Peoplemag, 22 Sep. 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