transfix

[ trans-fiks ]

/ trænsˈfɪks /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR transfix ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), trans·fixed or trans·fixt, trans·fix·ing.

to make or hold motionless with amazement, awe, terror, etc.

to pierce through with or as if with a pointed weapon; impale.

to hold or fasten with or on something that pierces.

Nearby words

transferrin, transfiguration, transfigure, transfinite, transfinite number, transfix, transfixion, transfixion suture, transform, transform fault, transformation

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

SYNONYMS FOR transfix

1 fascinate, spellbind, engross, captivate, enthrall.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR transfix ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

trans·fix·ion

[trans-fik-shuhn] /trænsˈfɪk ʃən/, nounun·trans·fixed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for transfixed

When President Obama finally came off the Vineyard and spoke out on the trauma that has transfixed America, he looked exhausted.
Why Won't Obama Go to Ferguson?|Stuart Stevens|August 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As much as I was transfixed by every second of this past season of Louie, Veep just made me giddy.
Emmys 2013: What Show Should Win It All? Our Critics Debate|Kevin Fallon, Marlow Stern|September 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But given what has been credibly written about him personally, Oscar Pistorius was transfixed by the dark side of the moon.
The Unwarranted Mythology of Oscar Pistorius|Buzz Bissinger|February 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Babe: From the moment that pig opened its mouth I was transfixed.
Emma Thompson’s Favorite Movies, From ‘Mary Poppins’ to ‘Life of Brian’|Emma Thompson|February 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST

But when the clapping stopped, almost everyone in the auditorium remained standing, transfixed by Lana in particular.
The Wachowskis’ ‘Cloud Atlas’ Wows Toronto International Film Festival|Chris Lee|September 9, 2012|DAILY BEAST
As he brought them down, he found himself staring at them, transfixed.
The Colors of Space|Marion Zimmer Bradley
Mr. Bennett, though free now to move, remained where he was, transfixed.
The Girl on the Boat|Pelham Grenville Wodehouse
In the middle of the composition a bestiarius has transfixed a bear with a stroke of his lance.
Museum of Antiquity|L. W. Yaggy
If a glance could have transfixed her, Marion would have been immovable for life.
Marion Berkley|Elizabeth B. Comins
I looked at her as if transfixed, and did not take my eyes off until she blushed, and again sank back as before.
The Pacha of Many Tales|Frederick Marryat

British Dictionary definitions for transfixed

transfix

/ (trænsˈfɪks) /

verb -fixes, -fixing, -fixed or -fixt (tr)

to render motionless, esp with horror or shock

to impale or fix with a sharp weapon or other device

med to cut through (a limb or other organ), as in amputation

Derived Forms

transfixion (trænsˈfɪkʃən), noun

Word Origin for transfix

C16: from Latin transfīgere to pierce through, from trans- + fīgere to thrust in

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012