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.

From 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?

From 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.

From 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.

From 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".

From BBC

Related Words

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