pierce vs transfix

pierce and transfix both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
pierce	No	No	Yes	No
transfix	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, transfix is a hyponym of pierce; that is, transfix is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than pierce:

Other hyponyms of pierce include stick, stick, peg, center punch, empale, impale, spike, horn, tusk, gore, lance.

pierce (verb)	transfix (verb)
make a hole into	pierce with a sharp stake or point
penetrate or cut through with a sharp instrument	to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe
cut or make a way through
move or affect (a person's emotions or bodily feelings) deeply or sharply
sound sharply or shrilly