fixer

[fik-ser]

noun

1. a person or thing that fixes, sets, adjusts, or repairs.

2. Informal.

   1. a person who arranges matters in advance, or acts as a liaison.

      The film crew hired a fixer for the foreign location shoot.

   2. a person who neutralizes problems for another, as for an individual or organization whose reputation is threatened by past misdeeds or conflicts, often through bribery or influence.

      The agent also worked as a fixer for several movie stars, keeping sex scandals and drug arrests out of the tabloids.

3. Informal.,  fixer-upper.

4. Photography.,  fixative.

5. Slang.,  a person who sells narcotics to addicts.

fixer

/ ˈfɪksə /

noun

1. a person or thing that fixes

2. photog a solution containing one or more chemical compounds that is used, in fixing, to dissolve unexposed silver halides. It sometimes has an additive to stop the action of developer

3. slang,  a person who makes arrangements, esp by underhand or illegal means

Word History and Origins

Origin of fixer¹

First recorded in 1840–50; fix + -er ¹

Example Sentences

He told the mayor to expect a call from Noem’s “FEMA fixer” shortly.

From Salon

"Keir was furious," I'm told, and on Thursday morning, he made the formal decision with the foreign secretary that if Labour's veteran fixer wouldn't go on his own accord, he'd be sacked.

From BBC

The archetypal spin doctor, his reputation as a behind-the scenes fixer, schemer and schmoozer earned him the nickname, "the Prince of Darkness".

From BBC

The Beach is a convenient location for mingling, networking and seeking contacts through a fixer, someone essential for foreign correspondents.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of paying for a hotel or villa, people can register with an online platform which acts as a fixer between homeowners in different countries who want to stay in other's houses.

From BBC

Related Words

• advocate 
• arbiter 
• arbitrator 
• broker 
• go-between 
• intermediary 
• judge 
• negotiator www.thesaurus.com
• peacemaker 
• referee 
• troubleshooter