transfix
verb
trans·fix tran(t)s-ˈfiks 
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
tran(t)s-ˈfik-shən
noun 
Synonyms
- gore
- harpoon
- impale
- jab
- lance
- peck
- pick
- pierce
- pink
- puncture
- run through
- skewer
- spear
- spike
- spit
- stab
- stick
- transpierce
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
transfixed the inanimate butterfly specimens to the collection board
Recent Examples on the Web In any setting, this 27-year-old San Diego band can transfix devotees with the intensity of it post-hardcore-meets-exploding-blender music, while sending neophyte listeners swarming to the exits. 
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2021 Undoubtedly one of the best movies of 2020, Lovers Rock is crafted directly from McQueen’s childhood and will transfix you with its evocative vibes. Kevin L. Clark, Essence, 28 Nov. 2020 The world is transfixed by the novel coronavirus outbreak spreading around the globe. Liz Specht, Wired, 13 Mar. 2020 Young Alexei was transfixed by aviation from an early age and also studied art. Matt Schudel, Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2019 What, a reporter wondered, was Baker’s biggest concern in taking the Houston Astros managerial job — one left vacant by an electronic sign-stealing scandal that’s transfixed the sport. Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, 30 Jan. 2020 After a delay to allow the FBI probe, Judge Kavanaugh cleared his biggest hurdle Friday, when Sen. Susan Collins of Maine delivered the key 50th expected GOP vote for his confirmation in a floor speech that transfixed the chamber. Natalie Andrews, WSJ, 6 Oct. 2018 The jacket, a ’60s-style number with ostentatious fringe on the front, sides and sleeves, transfixes Georges and then unhinges him. Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2020 The investigation transfixed the state and became national news. oregonlive, 14 Mar. 2020 See More
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2021 Undoubtedly one of the best movies of 2020, Lovers Rock is crafted directly from McQueen’s childhood and will transfix you with its evocative vibes. Kevin L. Clark, Essence, 28 Nov. 2020 The world is transfixed by the novel coronavirus outbreak spreading around the globe. Liz Specht, Wired, 13 Mar. 2020 Young Alexei was transfixed by aviation from an early age and also studied art. Matt Schudel, Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2019 What, a reporter wondered, was Baker’s biggest concern in taking the Houston Astros managerial job — one left vacant by an electronic sign-stealing scandal that’s transfixed the sport. Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, 30 Jan. 2020 After a delay to allow the FBI probe, Judge Kavanaugh cleared his biggest hurdle Friday, when Sen. Susan Collins of Maine delivered the key 50th expected GOP vote for his confirmation in a floor speech that transfixed the chamber. Natalie Andrews, WSJ, 6 Oct. 2018 The jacket, a ’60s-style number with ostentatious fringe on the front, sides and sleeves, transfixes Georges and then unhinges him. Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2020 The investigation transfixed the state and became national news. oregonlive, 14 Mar. 2020 See More 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
Kids Definition
transfix
verb
trans·fix trans-ˈfiks
transfixed; transfixing
: to hold motionless by or as if by piercing through with a pointed weapon
They were all transfixed by the Trivium's soothing voice … Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth
Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollboothtransfixes
verb
as in pierces
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object transfixed the inanimate butterfly specimens to the collection board Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- pierces
- stabs
- punctures
- picks
- sticks
- jabs
- spits
- pecks
- impales
- spikes
- spears
- runs through
- slices
- skewers
- lances
- pokes
- harpoons
- pinks
- gores
- punches
- perforates
- transpierces
- thrusts
- spindles
- bayonets
- riddles
- cuts
- pinpricks
- pricks
- gimlets
- poniards
- prongs
- pikes
- quills
- dirks
- knifes