Transfix

noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A discontinuous affix, typical of Afro-Asiatic languages, which occurs at more than one position in a word, i.e. a combination of prefixes, infixes and/or suffixes.

    "The Arabic word مكتوب (maktūb, “written”) is built from the root [script needed] (k–t–b, “writing”) and the transfix [script needed] (ma––ū–, “passive participle”)."

Verb
  1. 1
    To render motionless, by arousing terror, amazement or awe. transitive

    "He stood transfixed before the unaccustomed view of London at night time, a vast panorama which reminded him […] of some wood engravings far off and magical, in a printshop in his childhood. They dated from the previous century and were coarsely printed on tinted paper, with tinsel outlining the design."

  2. 2
    pierce with a sharp stake or point wordnet
  3. 3
    To pierce with a sharp pointed weapon. transitive

    "The spear transfixed my arm that was uplifted In swift expostulation, and the blood Gushed round its point: I smiled, […]"

  4. 4
    to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe wordnet
  5. 5
    To fix or impale. transitive

Etymology

Etymology 1

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

Etymology 2

From trans- + -fix.

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