transfixed

verb

past tense of transfix
as in stabbed
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object transfixed the inanimate butterfly specimens to the collection board

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of transfixed Watch his hypnotic Instagram Reels, and you’ll be transfixed by his meticulous brushwork, application of delicate gold leaf, and detailed flourishes. — Emma Jacobson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026 He was transfixed by the climbing tools hanging from the walls, and by the photographs of the store’s owners scaling snowy peaks in Alaska. — Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 One kitten stared transfixed through the glass while the other, unfazed, was more interested in darting around playfully. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 The child was transfixed, continued to add details and almost subconsciously used increasingly complex language throughout the activity. — Jeff Beck, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026 Now, instead of being mostly riveted to Mahomes, defenses figured to be transfixed by what to expect. — Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026 Eventually, he would be transfixed by the image of Erin Everly, who would be equally transfixed on the other side of the glass. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026 OpenAI’s foray into hardware has transfixed techies for more than a year, with speculation about the AI company’s forthcoming mystery gadget ranging from a smart speaker to a wearable device. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 27 July 2026 As more recordings leaked in recent days, the country was transfixed. — Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for transfixed
  1. stabbed
  2. pierced
  3. punctured
  4. picked
  5. jabbed
  6. stuck
Verb
  • Pierce fled on foot and stabbed an officer in the neck with a knife, prompting authorities to open fire.
    — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Mothers who beat, shook, shot, drowned, strangled, and stabbed their babies.
    — Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of stabbed
Verb
  • The bullet pierced the rear passenger window of Irvine’s car, striking him in the right shoulder and causing his death.
    — Kelsie Cairns , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Cook for 20 minutes, or until the squash falls apart when pierced with a fork.
    — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of pierced
Verb
  • State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said the ammonia tank was found and did not appear to be punctured or leaking.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The sullen tribute to Payne settled the room into a cool near-silence, punctured by quiet gasps and muffled crying.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of punctured
Verb
  • Voters in Florida, Nevada and Wisconsin also picked their first Black governors while Texans selected their first Latina.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Ingoglia, 55, served in the Florida House for eight years and the state Senate for two before DeSantis picked him to replace Jimmy Patronis in July 2025.
    — Liv Caputo, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of picked
Verb
  • Workers have been increasingly jabbed while on the job as needle-style medications — more specifically GLP-1s — have risen in popularity.
    — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu jabbed back against the prevailing narrative yesterday, saying she was never invited to participate in the WNBA’s 3-point contest this weekend.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of jabbed
Verb
  • Raichlen’s career, in a way, is similar in that he’s never been stuck in the lane of writing about barbecuing only brisket and pork.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Other franchises have run into the same issues — looking at you, Star Wars — but Halo has been stuck in this purgatory for 15+ years, as Xbox leaders and strategy shifts come and go.
    — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of stuck

Browse Nearby Words

transfix
transfixed
transfixes
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Cite this Entry

“Transfixed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/transfixed. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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