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

• stab
• pierce
• puncture
• pick
• stick
• jab

Examples of transfix in a Sentence

transfixed the inanimate butterfly specimens to the collection board

Recent Examples on the Web

The power of the instrument and innovative songs transfixed the crowd with sounds of the Caribbean diaspora and UK club culture. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

Like the wind in the painting, Lynch would often get transfixed by something seemingly small. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 11 July 2025

Musk-Trump feud Two billionaires engaged in a war of words on their own social media sites Thursday, an online version of a reality TV show that kept many utterly transfixed to their screens. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 6 June 2025

Alex spends most of the book being condescending to Sophie, and yet she is transfixed by him. —Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025

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

Rhymes for transfix

• chopsticks
• lipsticks
• picnics
• reliques
• toothpicks
• yardsticks
• biopolitics
• bolsheviks
• candlesticks
• crucifix
• intermix
• lunatics

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