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Transfix Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฎ
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transfix

[trรฆnsหˆfษชks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to fix in place

To cause someone to be unable to move or stop what they are doing by making them feel very interested, shocked, or upset.

Synonyms

captivate, enchant, mesmerize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
transfix

Use in situations where an object or person is so overwhelmed or fascinated that they are temporarily immobile or frozen.

  • She was transfixed by the stunning sunset; The bird was transfixed by the light
captivate

Use when describing situations where someone is strongly attracted or fascinated by someone or something.

  • The magician's performance captivated the children; Her storytelling skills captivated the audience
enchant

Use when describing situations where something creates a magical or charming effect, making it highly delightful.

  • The beautiful melody enchanted everyone at the concert; The fairy tale enchanted the young readers
mesmerize

Use when describing a situation where someone is so fascinated or absorbed by something that they can't look away. It has a hypnotic connotation.

  • He was mesmerized by her graceful dance; The audience was mesmerized by the thrilling performance

Examples of usage

  • She was transfixed by the beauty of the painting.
  • The audience was transfixed by the magician's performance.
Context #2 | Verb

to pierce with a sharp implement

To fasten, hold, or pierce with or as if with a pointed pin.

Synonyms

impale, skewer, spike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
transfix

Use when wanting to express being so amazed or shocked that one cannot move or react.

  • The audience was transfixed by the magician's performance.
  • I was transfixed by the beauty of the sunset.
impale

Use when describing something or someone being pierced with a sharp object, often used in a negative or dramatic context.

  • He accidentally impaled his foot on a sharp nail.
  • The knight was impaled by the enemyโ€™s spear during the battle.
skewer

Use when talking about piercing food with a sharp stick for cooking, or figuratively when criticizing someone harshly.

  • She expertly skewered the meat and vegetables for the barbecue.
  • The critic skewered the author's latest novel in his review.
spike

Use when referring to a sudden sharp increase or a physical object that is sharp and pointed.

  • There was a spike in temperature last weekend.
  • The fence was topped with metal spikes for added security.

Examples of usage

  • He transfixes the butterfly to a mounting board.
  • The arrow transfixed the heart of the deer.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'transfix'

The word 'transfix' originated from the Latin word 'transfฤซgere', which means 'to pierce through'. The prefix 'trans-' means 'through' or 'across', and 'fฤซgere' means 'to fix' or 'to fasten'. Over time, the word evolved in English to encompass both the meaning of holding someone's attention and piercing through something with a sharp object.

See also: fix, fixable, fixate, fixated, fixatedly, fixating, fixation, fixations, fixative, fixed, fixer, fixes, fixing, fixity, fixture, unfixable, unfixed.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,804, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.