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

Sora transfixed the tech world by creating seemingly realistic videos of everything from woolly mammoths trekking across a snowy field to a stylish woman walking down a Tokyo street filled with glowing neon signs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Although organizers have kept much of the exhibition under wraps, visitors can expect to be transfixed by a thoroughly Los Angeles tale.

From Los Angeles Times

Now even Pearl stood at her desk, staring transfixed.

From Literature

For a heartbeat, Torak was back with Fa on the night of the attack, transfixed by the malice of those demon haunted eyes ...

From Literature

It was just a story that sort of transfixed my imagination at the time.”

From Salon

Related Words

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