From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishtransfixtrans‧fix /trænsˈfɪks/ verb [transitive] 1 to surprise, interest, frighten etc someone so much that they do not move2 literaryHOLE to make a hole through something or someone with a sharp pointed weapon→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
transfix• Wally was too transfixed by Sincere Number Three to notice the libel.• Lena was transfixed by the gaping trough in the road.• The cat is transfixed by this appealing sight and pounces, sinking its teeth into the prey.• I suppose we were transfixed by this, the aliveness of activities taking place even as the little boy was dying.• The sight of the fire transfixed the passersby.• These scenes transfix us as they transfixed their original viewers.Origin transfix (1500-1600) Latin past participle of transfigere, from figere “to fasten, make a hole through” 