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

Even folks in the comment section were transfixed by his dashing looks and grumpy old man eyebrows. —Tj MacIas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2025

Rossellini is silent for the film’s first half, but her glares are transfixing. —Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2024

Future of Space From putting men on the moon to the International Space Station, space has transfixed humans. —Sarwant Singh, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Check it out below: For an artist who has a history of cranking out albums in a cluttered bedroom with her brother, Eilish knows how to transfix a crowd. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Dec. 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