Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
transfix [trans-fiks] SynonymsExamplesWord Origin 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.
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 suffixRelated formstrans·fix·ion [trans-fik-shuhn] /trænsˈfɪk ʃən/, nounun·trans·fixed, adjectiveSynonyms for transfix See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.com 1. fascinate, spellbind, engross, captivate, enthrall. Related Words for transfix 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 transfix Contemporary Examples of transfix
Miraculously, Malala survived, and her courage, wisdom, and optimism have continued to transfix and inspire the world.
Promoting Girls’ Education Isn’t Enough: Malala Can Do More
Paula Kweskin
December 9, 2014
Historical Examples of transfix
Something in her expression seemed to transfix and bind him.
The Best Short Stories of 1920
Various
The sight of the two men together seemed to transfix her with horror.
Rosa Nouchette Carey
What spear can transfix the dragon of passion which rages here?
The Bride of the Nile, Complete
Georg Ebers
The scream that he uttered seemed to transfix Joel with horror.
Annie Fellows Johnston
Something must be devised to transfix him with the dignity of marriage.
The Early Life and Adventures of Sylvia Scarlett
Compton Mackenzie
British Dictionary definitions for transfix 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), nounWord Origin for transfix C16: from Latin transfīgere to pierce through, from trans- + fīgere to thrust in Word Origin and History for 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.