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

Although organizers have kept much of the exhibition under wraps, visitors can expect to be transfixed by a thoroughly Los Angeles tale. —Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026

Afterward, in a somber postgame locker room, Kelce stared down at his fingertips while resting his elbows on his knees, remaining transfixed for a few minutes while still in full uniform. —Jesse Newell, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026

Mainly male, all transfixed by what was taking place on the turf. —Camilla Wright, semafor.com, 17 Feb. 2026

Stepping into the Keijsers Koning gallery, a visitor is immediately transfixed by a score of unblinking eyes. —Benjamin Lima, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 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
• 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