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

Both pieces confirm the impression that Thorvaldsdottir is incapable of writing music that doesn’t immediately transfix an open-eared listener.

From New York Times • Jun. 29, 2023

A local punk rock band, a cumbia ensemble, a breakout Spanish-language pop artist or a jazz quartet might transfix the room at any given moment.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2022

He studies Beard’s practice with that kind of fascination that shows how a puzzle such as basketball can transfix some human brains forever.

From Washington Post • Nov. 8, 2021

A sign of her charisma is that during the final tableau, as Aida and Radamès are expiring in the tomb, Amneris continues to transfix the attention: even when she isn’t singing, she dominates the stage.

From The New Yorker • Oct. 4, 2018

The changing patterns of light transfix my sight.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Related Words

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