transfix
[ trans-fiks ]
/ trænsˈfɪks /
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 suffix
OTHER WORDS FROM transfix
trans·fix·ion [trans-fik-shuhn] /trænsˈfɪk ʃən/, noun un·trans·fixed, adjectiveWords nearby transfix
Example sentences from the Web for transfixion
British Dictionary definitions for transfixion
transfix
/ (trænsˈfɪks) /
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 forms of transfix
transfixion (trænsˈfɪkʃən), nounWord Origin for transfix
C16: from Latin
transfīgere to pierce through, from
trans- +
fīgere to thrust in
Medical definitions for transfixion
transfixion
[ trăns-fĭk′shən ]
n.
In amputation, passing the knife from side to side through tissues close to the bone and dividing muscles from within outward.