infix

¹in·fix

transitive verb \ˈin-ˌfiks, in-ˈ\

Definition of INFIX

1

: to fasten or fix by piercing or thrusting in

2

: to impress firmly in the consciousness or disposition

3

: to insert (as a sound or letter) as an infix

— in·fix·ation \ˌin-(ˌ)fik-ˈsā-shən\ noun

Examples of INFIX

1. <a puzzling detail that had been infixed in the detective's mind for over a decade>
2. <a football coach celebrated for infixing in his players an all-consuming will to win>

Origin of INFIX

Latin infixus, past participle of infigere, from in- + figere to fasten — more at fix

First Known Use: 1502

Related to INFIX

Synonyms

brand, etch, impress, imprint, engrave, ingrain (also engrain)

Related Words

enroot, imbue, implant, inculcate, infuse, instill; fix, set, stamp

Near Antonyms

blot out, erase, expunge, obliterate

See Synonym Discussion at implant

Rhymes with INFIX

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

²in·fix

noun \ˈin-ˌfiks\

Definition of INFIX

: a derivational or inflectional affix appearing in the body of a word (as Sanskrit -n- in vindami “I know” as contrasted with vid “to know”)

First Known Use of INFIX

1881

³in·fix

adjective \same as ²\

Definition of INFIX

: characterized by placement of a binary operator between the operands <a + b is expressed in infix notation> — compare postfix, prefix

First Known Use of INFIX

1971