fixate

verb

fix·​ate ˈfik-ˌsāt 

fixated; fixating

transitive verb

1

: to make fixed, stationary, or unchanging

2

: to focus one's gaze on

3

: to direct (the libido) toward an infantile form of gratification

intransitive verb

1

: to focus or concentrate one's gaze or attention intently or obsessively

2

: to undergo arrestment at a stage of development

Examples of fixate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In emergency situations, people often fixate on the first responders’ arrival time, unaware of the critical steps that make this process quick and effective. —Julie Song, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

But Messi’s presence overshadows them all, and right now, Campbell and the bartender are fixated on whether Messi will even play. —Pablo Maurer, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025

In part, this is because DOGE is ideologically driven, fixated more on grievances than on actual productive goals, and is carelessly destroying government capacity without preserving what is necessary. —Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 12 Mar. 2025

In one clip, my eyes fixated on the weather: the gray sky and heavy rain. —Edna Bonhomme, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from fixation, in part as translation of German fixieren

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for fixate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Medical Definition

fixate

verb

fix·​ate ˈfik-ˌsāt 

fixated; fixating

transitive verb

1

: to focus one's gaze on

2

: to direct (the libido) toward an infantile form of gratification

intransitive verb

1

: to focus or concentrate one's gaze or attention

an infant with normal vision … will fixate on a light held before him

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

2

: to undergo arrestment at a stage of development