transfix

verb

trans·fix | \ tran(t)s-ˈfiks

transfixed; transfixing; transfixes

Definition of transfix

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

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Examples of transfix in a Sentence

transfixed the inanimate butterfly specimens to the collection board

Recent Examples on the Web

Reiwa—followed a national guessing game and had the country transfixed just before noon on a sunny spring day. — Peter Landers, WSJ, "Japan Chooses Reiwa as Era Name for Next Emperor," 1 Apr. 2019 The remaining members of our favorite Demogorgon fighting gang appear to be transfixed by fireworks overhead, but Eleven and Will Byers are both looking back, seemingly concerned by what's lurking in the darkness. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Netflix Confirmed a Season Three Premiere Date for "Stranger Things"," 1 Jan. 2019 On 9/11, Stephen Feuerman saw the World Trade Center aflame through the window of his Empire State Building office and watched, transfixed, as a second fireball burst from the twin towers. — Jennifer Peltz, Fox News, "'Wake-up call': 9/11 prompted some to move away to new lives," 10 Sep. 2018 He was captured after a manhunt that transfixed the region and forced a nearby school into a lockdown, said Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel. — Moriah Balingit, Washington Post, "‘A horrific, horrific day’: At least 17 killed in Florida school shooting," 6 Mar. 2018 He was captured after a manhunt that transfixed the region and forced a nearby school into a lockdown, said Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel. — Houston Chronicle, "17 killed in shooting at south Florida high school," 14 Feb. 2018 Mindy Kaling broke records with the largest sale of a film ever, and Shia LaBeouf transfixed audiences with a harrowing portrayal of a character based on his own father. — David Graver, Vogue, "Weekend One at Sundance: All the Celebrities Who Celebrated the Festival’s Daring Roster," 29 Jan. 2019 Its sheer size has transfixed potential investment targets and rival funds alike. — The Economist, "The impact of Masayoshi Son’s $100bn tech fund will be profound," 10 May 2018 As Glamour went to press with our annual Women of the Year issue, the world was transfixed by Washington. — Samantha Barry, Glamour, "For 2018, Glamour's Women of the Year Honorees Were Called to Action," 31 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transfix.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near transfix

Statistics for transfix

Last Updated

7 May 2019

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Time Traveler for transfix

The first known use of transfix was in 1590

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More Definitions for transfix

transfix

verb

English Language Learners Definition of transfix

formal : to cause (someone) to sit or stand without moving because of surprise, shock, interest, etc.

See the full definition for transfix in the English Language Learners Dictionary

transfix

verb

trans·fix | \ trans-ˈfiks

transfixed; transfixing

Kids Definition of transfix

: to hold motionless by or as if by piercing through with a pointed weapon They were all transfixed by the Trivium's soothing voice …— Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth