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

• gore
• harpoon
• impale
• jab
• lance
• peck
• pick
• pierce
• pink
• puncture
• run through
• skewer
• spear
• spike
• spit
• stab
• stick
• transpierce

Examples of transfix in a Sentence

transfixed the inanimate butterfly specimens to the collection board

Recent Examples on the Web

The music he’s made with such misery in view has been hauntingly poignant and transfixing. —The New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2024

At its center is Ginia (a transfixing Yile Yara Vianello), a young woman who has moved away from the countryside with her brother in hopes of a more exciting life. —Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 9 Aug. 2024

View More Davis grew up in Oklahoma City, transfixed by the fantasy worlds of J. R. R. Tolkien and Dungeons & Dragons. —Ariel Sabar, The Atlantic, 8 Aug. 2024

Here’s a running list of roughly two dozen films—great ones, entertaining ones, or maybe even simply transfixing ones—that are worth your time. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 30 July 2024

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

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