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

Paramount may want to consider a video introduction or a title card before unleashing this thing in AMCs across the country, but the effect is plenty transfixing on its own. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2024

But there’s something quietly transfixing about its austerity, while the film retains enough handsome Euro-arthouse sheen — atop the draw of its name stars — to sell widely. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 9 Aug. 2024

The book, which will be published in hardcover print, e-book and audio editions in spring 2026, will pull back the curtain on what GCP senior vice president and editor-in-chief Colin Dickerman said is a fascinating life that has long transfixed Minnelli’s fervent fans. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 7 Aug. 2024

Six hundred miles from the blast site, Norwegian conscripts stood transfixed at their border posts, watching the horizon glow. —Ben Taub, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 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