fixate

[fik-seyt]

verb (used without object)

fixated, fixating 

1. to obsessively concentrate one's attention (usually followed byon ).

   Take something away from someone completely and they may fixate on it.

2. Psychoanalysis.,  to develop a fixation; suffer an arrest in one's emotional or sexual development.

   The patient fixates in an incestuous libido cycle, seeking to reconnect with an earlier aspect of her history.

3. to stabilize or become fixed.

4. to focus the eyes on an object or point.

verb (used with object)

fixated, fixating 

1. to obsessively concentrate one's attention on.

2. Psychoanalysis.,  to cause (one's psychosexual development) to be arrested at an early point in life.

3. to make stable or stationary; fix.

   Using cement to fixate the cap on the head of the femur, while initially adding stability, has a chance of loosening in subsequent years.

4. 1. to focus (the eyes) on an object or point.

      The eye muscles ordinarily fixate the two eyes on a single target.

   2. to focus the eyes on (an object).

fixate

/ ˈfɪkseɪt /

verb

1. to become or cause to become fixed

2. to direct the eye or eyes at a point in space so that the image of the point falls on the centre (fovea) of the eye or eyes

3. psychol to engage in fixation

4. informal,  (tr; usually passive) to obsess or preoccupy

Word History and Origins

Origin of fixate¹

First recorded in 1880–85; from Latin fix(us) “fixed, firm” ( fix ) + -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of fixate¹

C19: from Latin fixus fixed + _-ate ¹

Example Sentences

Olympian and former Nike athlete who has been critical of the brand, called Kipyegon a “true prodigy,” but thought that fixating on 4 minutes was misguided.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He has been fixated on the prize, and for months, domestic supporters and international leaders seeking his favor have joined him in a vociferous campaign.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He advises students and job seekers to focus on trends instead of fixating on raw numbers that are prone to revisions.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It seems as if he's become fixated on it.

Read more on BBC

I’m somebody that gets very fixated on a piece of clothing — if I find a shirt I like, I wear it every day.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• haunt 
• infatuate 
• obsess