transfix

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe
  2. verb pierce with a sharp stake or point

Etymology

From Middle French transfixer, from Old French transfixer, from Latin transfigō (“to pierce through”), from trans- (“through”) + figō (“to pierce”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

fascinate, grip, spellbind

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