transfix

[ trans-fiks ]

verb (used with object)

, trans·fixed or trans·fixt, trans·fix·ing.

1. to make or hold motionless with amazement, awe, terror, etc.

   Synonyms: enthrall, captivate, engross, spellbind, fascinate

2. to pierce through with or as if with a pointed weapon; impale.
3. to hold or fasten with or on something that pierces.

transfix

/ trænsˈfɪks; trænsˈfɪkʃən /

verb

1. to render motionless, esp with horror or shock
2. to impale or fix with a sharp weapon or other device
3. med to cut through (a limb or other organ), as in amputation

Derived Forms

• transfixion, noun

Other Words From

• trans·fix·ion [trans-, fik, -sh, uh, n], noun
• untrans·fixed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of transfix¹

1580–90; < Latin trānsfīxus (past participle of trānsfīgere to pierce through), equivalent to trāns- trans- + fīg ( ere ) to pierce + -sus, variant of -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of transfix¹

C16: from Latin transfīgere to pierce through, from trans- + fīgere to thrust in

Example Sentences

Even the kids appear to be transfixed, their eyes pinned to the glassy river surface or the rock walls that have come alive with the sun’s light as it climbs into the sky.

From Washington Post

The first time I heard “staircase,” about a disturbing home invasion, the story’s gradually deepening terror had me literally transfixed — physically rooted in place, frozen with fear.

From Vox

He didn’t cover any new ground—in fact, he read the remarks he gave on that day before rushing home from a summit in Peru—but the crowd was transfixed by his cameo.

From Time

The impoverished nation of 11 million remained transfixed by questions — including whether the intellectual authors had come from the ranks of Moïse’s more obvious enemies or were potentially far closer to the president.

From Washington Post

At first his pride compelled him to try again, but he was soon transfixed by what he was learning about the human body’s extraordinary ability to compensate for its injuries and illnesses.

From ProPublica

Miraculously, Malala survived, and her courage, wisdom, and optimism have continued to transfix and inspire the world.

From The Daily Beast

Take the syringe in the right hand and with the needle transfix the fold near its base (Fig. 182).

From Project Gutenberg

It has not one element that asks the sense of beauty to incorporate it, or challenges the weapon of wit to transfix it.

From Project Gutenberg

Merle was looking Old Broadbrim squarely in the eye and his gaze seemed to transfix him like a lance.

From Project Gutenberg

They stuck out at right angles, seeming to transfix the rigid, death-white hands.

From Project Gutenberg

What joy, I thought, would it be to transfix the matchless beauty which had wrought itself thus into the visions of my old age!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• captivate
• enchant
• engross
• fascinate
• hypnotize
• mesmerize
• petrify
• rivet
• stun