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

He watched, transfixed, from the stands at Oakland Coliseum as the L.A.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Ever interested in art, Beowulf was transfixed by the murals painted on the ceiling of the theater, which featured adorable winged cherubs playing golden harps.

Read more on Literature

“I wish I had a camera,” Gibby whispered, her eyes transfixed.

Read more on Literature

But Chileans remain transfixed by the growing violence of criminals, which they blame on the arrival of gangs from Venezuela and other Latin American countries.

Read more on Barron's

It was an era when “curiosities” from the newly “discovered” Americas transfixed Europe.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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