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 of transfix

• 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

Now, instead of being mostly riveted to Mahomes, defenses figured to be transfixed by what to expect. — Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

Choi's killing transfixed many in the Asian financial hub that has a very low level of violent crime. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

Eventually, he would be transfixed by the image of Erin Everly, who would be equally transfixed on the other side of the glass. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026

OpenAI’s foray into hardware has transfixed techies for more than a year, with speculation about the AI company’s forthcoming mystery gadget ranging from a smart speaker to a wearable device. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 27 July 2026

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
• picnics
• reliques
• toothpicks
• yardsticks
• biopolitics
• bolsheviks
• candlesticks
• crucifix
• intermix
• lunatics
• mensheviks

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