transfix

verb

trans·​fix tran(t)s-ˈfiks How to pronounce transfix (audio)
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 noun

Examples of transfix in a Sentence

transfixed the inanimate butterfly specimens to the collection board
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Nicole Kidman's new Netflix’s hit The Perfect Couple has TV fans transfixed, but the show is anything but new to her husband, Keith Urban. Mark Gray, Peoplemag, 22 Sep. 2024 What begins as a crime thriller ends as a transfixing meditation on our personal need for recognition and the difficulty of finding this for ourselves or providing that for others. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2024 In June of last year, Larry Connor was among those transfixed by the news of OceanGate’s Titan, the submersible that imploded while descending to the wreck of the Titanic, killing all five people aboard. J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2024 As a young aspiring ballerina, I was transfixed by ribbons. Romany Williams, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transfix 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of transfix was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near transfix

Cite this Entry

“Transfix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transfix. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

transfix

verb
trans·​fix tran(t)s-ˈfiks How to pronounce transfix (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on transfix

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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