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

Some moments he was transfixed by Sendak’s illustrations, particularly one of a rabbit, under one of Jack’s spells, pummeling the nameless dog; at others by the nature of Jack’s transformation. —David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

Every time Daniel Day-Lewis speaks, you're transfixed That’s not unlike the experience of watching the film. —Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 7 Oct. 2025

Over the weekend, writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another won a partial victory in an ongoing war for audience share that has transfixed Hollywood since March. —Chris Lee, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025

While practicing, he becomes transfixed by the figure skaters who share the ice rink, particularly Sakura, a rising star from Tokyo. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 19 Sep. 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