affix

¹af·fix

transitive verb \ə-ˈfiks, a-\

Definition of AFFIX

1

: to attach physically <affix a stamp to a letter>

2

: to attach in any way : add, append <affix a signature to a document>

3

: impress <affixed my seal>

— af·fix·able \-ˈfik-sə-bəl\ adjective

— af·fix·a·tion \ˌa-ˌfik-ˈsā-shən\ noun

— af·fix·ment \ə-ˈfik-smənt, a-\ noun

Examples of AFFIX

1. <affix a first-class stamp to the envelope>

Origin of AFFIX

Latin affixus, past participle of affigere to fasten to, from ad- + figere to fasten — more at fix

First Known Use: 1533

Related to AFFIX

Synonyms

fasten, attach, bend, fix

Antonyms

detach, undo, unfasten, unhook

Related Words

adhere, bolt, cinch, clamp, clasp, clench, clinch, clip, glue, hang, harness, hasp, lace, lash, latch, nail, paste, pin, plaster, rivet, screw, shackle, staple, stick, strap, tack, tackle, tie, toggle, yoke; coapt, connect, join, link, unite; reaffix, reattach, refasten, refix, resecure; batten, belay, button, do up

Near Antonyms

break up, disconnect, disjoin, disjoint, dissever, dissociate, disunite, divide, divorce, part, separate, sever, split, sunder, uncouple, unlink, unyoke; loose, loosen; unbind, unfix, unlash, untie

See Synonym Discussion at fasten

Rhymes with AFFIX

admix, commix, deep-six, immix, infix, postfix, prefix, premix, prix fixe, prolix, quick fix, suffix, trail mix, transfix, unfix

²af·fix

noun \ˈa-ˌfiks\

Definition of AFFIX

1

: one or more sounds or letters occurring as a bound form attached to the beginning or end of a word, base, or phrase or inserted within a word or base and serving to produce a derivative word or an inflectional form

2

: appendage

— af·fix·al \-ˌfik-səl\ or af·fix·i·al \a-ˈfik-sē-əl\ adjective

First Known Use of AFFIX

1612

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile