transfix

verb

trans·​fix tran(t)s-ˈfiks How to pronounce transfix (audio)
transfixed; transfixing; transfixes

transitive verb

1
: to hold motionless by or as if by piercing
he stood transfixed by her gaze
2
: to pierce through with or as if with a pointed weapon : impale
transfixion noun

Examples of transfix in a Sentence

transfixed the inanimate butterfly specimens to the collection board
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both teams were strangely transfixed by this sudden spell of inaccuracy. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 31 Oct. 2024 Wilson and Farmiga are immediately transfixing as the intense yet empathetic investigators at the center of the series, while Lili Taylor gives a terrifying, unpredictable performance as the victim of demonic fury. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2024 The black-and-white striping of, say, fifty to a hundred tiny penguins all lined up (a favorite visual refrain of hers) is optically transfixing. Sarah Lehrer-Graiwer, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2024 Nicole Kidman's new Netflix’s hit The Perfect Couple has TV fans transfixed, but the show is anything but new to her husband, Keith Urban. Mark Gray, Peoplemag, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transfix 

Word History

Etymology

Latin transfixus, past participle of transfigere, from trans- + figere to fasten, pierce — more at fix

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of transfix was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near transfix

Cite this Entry

“Transfix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transfix. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

transfix

verb
trans·​fix tran(t)s-ˈfiks How to pronounce transfix (audio)
1
: to pierce through with or as if with a pointed weapon
2
: to hold motionless by or as if by piercing
stood transfixed by her gaze

More from Merriam-Webster on transfix

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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