transfix

American  

[trans-fiks] / trænsˈfɪks /

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.

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transfix British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• transfixion noun
• untransfixed adjective

Etymology

Origin of transfix

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

Example Sentences

Opal watched, transfixed for a while, and then fell asleep on the floor, a skein of gold clutched in her hands.

From Literature

Yearning for a kind of abstract stimulation that even she can’t put into words, Camille is transfixed by her beloved chair.

From Salon

The awkward spectacle in which he apologized for betraying an unnamed girlfriend transfixed the nation—then the entire world.

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite their complaints, the twins are now transfixed by the ice cutters singing on the TV, so I tiptoe upstairs.

From Literature

Who impressed, and who has the most to do after a transfixing opening weekend of the Six Nations?

From BBC

Related Words

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