transfixed
/trænsˈfɪkst/ (bre, ipa) · [trænsfˈɪkst] /trænsˈfɪkst/ (ame, ipa) · [trænsfˈɪkst] /tran(t)s-ˈfiks How to pronounce transfix (audio)/ (ame, mw)
transfixed — adjective
- transfixedpositive
- more transfixedcomparative
- most transfixedsuperlative
1. so caught by something striking that you stay still and keep staring, often beca
so caught by something striking that you stay still and keep staring, often because it fills you with wonder, fear, or intense interest.
Mira stood transfixed as the firework wheel spun above the river.
be transfixed as + clause
The children sat transfixed while the magician pulled coins from Sofie's sleeve.
common frame: sit transfixed while + action
Erik remained transfixed by the huge snake behind the glass.
For a moment, Christopher was transfixed by the crash and forgot to run.
- spellbound
very close in meaning, often with a magical or dramatic feel
- riveted
stresses complete attention, usually with less fear than 'transfixed'
- mesmerized
suggests being held by a strange, almost hypnotic attraction
- unmoved
shows no strong reaction at all
- distracted
attention is scattered rather than fixed on one thing
用法筆記
Usually follows verbs like 'stand', 'sit', or 'remain', often with 'by' or 'as' naming what holds the person's attention. Stronger than 'interested' because it suggests the person cannot pull their eyes away or react at once.
常見錯誤
transfixed — verb
- transfixedpresent simple I / you / we / they
- transfixeds3rd person singular
- transfixeding-ing form
- transfixededpast simple
1. to grip someone's attention so strongly that they become still and keep staring,
to grip someone's attention so strongly that they become still and keep staring, whether from amazement, fear, or deep fascination.
The sudden scream transfixed Samir at the top of the stairs.
subject is often a sight, sound, or stare
A bright green parrot transfixed Esme and stopped her from crying.
The warning light transfixed the driver long enough for the bus to stop.
The tiger's stare transfixed the hikers before the guide pulled them back.
文法句型
transfix + noun phrase
用法筆記
Object is usually a person or animal, while the subject is often a sight, sound, or stare that freezes attention. Common in literary or dramatic writing, especially when fear and fascination are mixed together.
常見錯誤
2. to drive a sharp object right through a person or thing, often leaving it pinned
to drive a sharp object right through a person or thing, often leaving it pinned in place.
A metal hook transfixed the fish and tore the net beside it.
violent physical sense with sharp object as subject
The arrow transfixed Cyrus's shield and stuck deep in the tree.
A flying splinter transfixed Niran's glove during the workshop accident.
One sharp branch transfixed the tent wall in the night storm.
文法句型
transfix + noun phrase
用法筆記
Usually names a hook, branch, arrow, spear, or similar sharp thing as the subject, and often suggests that the object stays pinned after being pierced. This is the older, fully physical sense, unlike sense 1.