affix

American  

[uh-fiks, af-iks] / əˈfɪks, ˈæf ɪks /

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.).

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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 British  

/ 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)

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

Etymology

Origin of affix

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

Explanation

When you affix something, you stick it on to something else. You might affix a stamp to a letter or affix colorful stickers to your notebook. The verb affix often refers to physically attaching something — like when you affix a label onto a folder — but it can be used more broadly to describe adding on something. You might affix your signature to a contract. If you like grammar, you might already know that the noun form of affix refers to letters or words that can be tacked onto other base words to alter their meaning. For example, the prefix un- is an affix.

Example Sentences

If a player is especially tough and violent on the field, the Chargers will affix a magnetic hammer sticker next to his name on the draft board.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

Otherwise it waits for someone to complain to its content moderation team, which could then decide to affix a label to something.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Indeed, it is not a novel at all, and it has been categorized as such only because of a curious dispensation afforded to the French to affix that label to any book they want.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

They will affix the exterior cladding, which could have been damaged by the crane cables if it had been preinstalled.

From Slate • Sep. 9, 2025

Mother looked in the foyer mirror to affix her loose curls and put on her hat.

From "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys

Related Words

• append
• fasten
• glue
• paste
• tack