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

The basketball community has been transfixed by this year’s unpredictable NBA Finals between San Antonio and New York. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 12 June 2026

But Johnson said that didn’t mean he wasn’t transfixed by Wednesday night’s dramatic NBA Finals comeback by the Knicks against the San Antonio Spurs. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026

Artists such as Chandler Walters, Noeline Hofmann, Gareth and Caylee Hammack also had listeners transfixed at their respective sets throughout Saturday afternoon in Music City. —Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026

Lovelace O’Neal was transfixed by the idea of how much water the massive creatures would displace when engaging in intercourse. —News Desk, Artforum, 15 May 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