transfix

[trans-fiks]

verb (used with object)

transfixed, transfixt, transfixing. 

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

Other Word Forms

• transfixion noun
• untransfixed 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

Shires would become so transfixed that she later hired a backgammon coach and joined a local league in Nashville, the city in which she resides.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A French murder trial that opened Monday has transfixed the public because of the mystery at its core: where is the victim's body?

Read more on BBC

It’s one thing to become transfixed by a fictional character going down a scripted wormhole for the purposes of narrative enlightenment or comedy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Growing up in Chicago, he was transfixed by a Chuck Berry concert at age 10 and devoted his life to discovering, championing and preserving rock music.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Even in her 90s, Dame Cleo gave occasional concerts - with one reviewer remarking on how she remained a "warm and witty human being, capable of transfixing her audience with those flashing eyes and spontaneous laughter".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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