transfix

[trans-fiks]

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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.

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

Related formstrans·fix·ion

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

Synonyms for transfix

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1. fascinate, spellbind, engross, captivate, enthrall.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for transfixed

stun, fascinate, petrify, captivate, engross, hypnotize, enchant, mesmerize, rivet, paralyze, bewitch, spellbind, hold, root, palsy, lance, spit, spear, fix, puncture

Examples from the Web for transfixed

Contemporary Examples of 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
“She came back to the idea that transfixed her,” White wrote.
Jackie Kennedy’s Return to Arlington
Nicolaus Mills
May 29, 2014
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
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
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 of transfixed

When he put it to himself like that, the sweat started from his forehead and he was transfixed with fear.
The Christian
Hall Caine
The Baron, who had understood everything, was also transfixed.
The Eternal City
Hall Caine
Ralph stood where Sim had left him, transfixed by some horrible consciousness.
The Shadow of a Crime
Hall Caine
And when she woke in wild affright it met her transfixed and horrified gaze.
Victor's Triumph
Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth
Nettie looked up in a sudden blaze, and transfixed him with her eye.
The Doctor's Family
Mrs. (Margaret) Oliphant

British Dictionary definitions for transfixed

transfix

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 Formstransfixion (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

Word Origin and History for transfixed

transfix

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.