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

The driving forces of the moment are fixated less on enlightenment than on attacking, distorting and vanquishing. —Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024

Our son was babbling at first, then suddenly started laughing uncontrollably, totally fixated on something above his crib. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024

Everybody’s fixated on how good-looking this guy looks. —William Earl, Variety, 15 Dec. 2024

But TikTokers fixated instead on how the bob looked from the back. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024

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

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