affix

[uh-fiks, af-iks]

verb (used with object)

1. to fasten, join, or attach (usually followed byto ).

   to affix stamps to a letter.

2. to put or add on; append.

   to affix a signature to a contract.

3. to impress (a seal or stamp).

4. to attach (blame, reproach, ridicule, etc.).

noun

1. something that is joined or attached.

2. Grammar.,  a bound inflectional or derivational element, as a prefix, infix, or suffix, added to a base or stem to form a fresh stem or a word, as -ed added to want to form wanted, or im- added to possible to form impossible.

affix

/ ˌæfɪkˈseɪʃən, əˈfɪkstʃə /

verb

1. to attach, fasten, join, or stick

   to affix a poster to the wall

2. to add or append

   to affix a signature to a document

3. to attach or attribute (guilt, blame, etc)

noun

1. a linguistic element added to a word or root to produce a derived or inflected form: -ment in establishment is a derivational affix; -s in drowns is an inflectional affix See also prefix suffix infix

2. something fastened or attached; appendage

Other Word Forms

• affixable adjective
• affixal adjective
• affixial adjective
• affixer noun
• affixment noun
• reaffix verb (used with object)
• unaffixed adjective
• affixation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of affix¹

1525–35; < Latin affīxus fastened to (past participle of affīgere ), equivalent to af- af- + fīg- fasten + -sus, variant of -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of affix¹

C15: from Medieval Latin affixāre, from ad- to + fixāre to _fix

Example Sentences

He also pauses to bristle at the label that was so often affixed to him: the court’s “swing” justice.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Alma and Hank are both tenure-track, a phrase that implies that they must remain affixed to their path or get derailed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A small crucifix is affixed to the wall above, and a rolling, pink-topped hospital table sits on the far side of the room.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Supporters say the bond measure, which does not yet have a dollar amount affixed, could help make college more affordable for low-income students.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Locals live here" posters, which first appeared by residents trying to protect their homes from being attacked, are still affixed to front windows on Queen Street.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• append 
• fasten 
• glue 
• paste 
• tack