transfix
[trans-fiks]
- 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.
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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
See more synonyms for transfix on Thesaurus.com1. fascinate, spellbind, engross, captivate, enthrall.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for transfixed
Contemporary Examples
When President Obama finally came off the Vineyard and spoke out on the trauma that has transfixed America, he looked exhausted.
“She came back to the idea that transfixed her,” White wrote.
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 DebateKevin Fallon, Marlow Stern
September 21, 2013
But given what has been credibly written about him personally, Oscar Pistorius was transfixed by the dark side of the moon.
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
Historical Examples
When he put it to himself like that, the sweat started from his forehead and he was transfixed with fear.
The ChristianHall Caine
The Baron, who had understood everything, was also transfixed.
The Eternal CityHall Caine
Ralph stood where Sim had left him, transfixed by some horrible consciousness.
The Shadow of a CrimeHall Caine
And when she woke in wild affright it met her transfixed and horrified gaze.
Victor's TriumphMrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth
Nettie looked up in a sudden blaze, and transfixed him with her eye.
The Doctor's FamilyMrs. (Margaret) Oliphant
transfix
- 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
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Word Origin
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
Word Origin and History for transfixed
transfix
v.
1580s, "pierce through, impale," from Middle French transfixer, from Latin transfixus "impaled," past participle of transfigere "to impale, pierce through," from trans- "through" (see trans-) + figere "to fix, fasten" (see fix (v.)). Figurative sense of "make motionless or helpless, as with amazement, terror, or grief" is first recorded 1640s. Related: Transfixed; transfixing.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper