infigere

Infigere is a Latin verb meaning to fix, fasten, implant, or drive into. It can denote literal insertion or attachment (for example, fixing a nail or spear into a surface) as well as more figurative acts such as embedding an inscription, implanting an idea, or fixing something firmly in place. The sense often involves a transfer of position from one object to another, with the action directed at a target or locus.

Etymology and forms are straightforward within Latin grammar: the word is built from in- “into” plus figere “to fix, fasten.” The verb is typically listed with principal parts infīgō, infīxī, infīxus (and related forms such as infīgus, infīxum in the participial and supine forms). In usage, it remains a transitive verb that governs a direct object (the thing fixed) and a second element indicating the target or medium of fixation, which may be expressed with prepositions or additional case markings depending on the context.

Infigere appears in both concrete and abstract contexts. Literally, it describes fastening tools or weapons, attaching objects to surfaces, or embedding something into a material. Figuratively, it is used for concepts like fixing an idea, a memory, or a belief in someone’s mind, or for stamping an impression onto a medium. The verb belongs to a family of prefixed compounds (such as configō or refīgō) that extend the sense of fixing or fastening through modification of the prefix.

See also: figere, fix, prefixed Latin verbs, infix.