fixation

noun

fix·​a·​tion fik-ˈsā-shən 

: the act, process, or result of fixing, fixating, or becoming fixated: such as

a

: a persistent concentration of libidinal energies upon objects characteristic of psychosexual stages of development preceding the genital stage

b

: stereotyped behavior (as in response to frustration)

c

: an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation or attachment

Synonyms

• fetish
• fetich
• idée fixe
• mania
• obsession
• preoccupation
• prepossession

Examples of fixation in a Sentence

their weight is an unfortunate fixation for many teenagers

Recent Examples on the Web

The design is a culmination of one of his largest fixations—he’s been a sneakerhead for years. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024

His fixation on birth rates and repopulating the planet, maybe, the publication highlighted. —Alena Botros, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024

Those roasted include the suburban fixation on uniformity, the capriciousness of the media and the negligence and all-around laziness of law enforcement. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Oct. 2024

Published on October 26, 2024 By Naomi Rougeau Janelle Jones Oasis has buried the hatchet; soccer season is in full swing, and fashion’s fixation on all things ‘90s endures. —Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fixacioun "(in alchemy) reduction of a volatile substance to a form not alterable by fire or another agent of change," borrowed from Medieval Latin fīxātiōn-, fīxātiō, from fīxāre "to so reduce a volatile substance" (verbal derivative of Latin fīxus "firmly established, unchangeable") + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns; in psychological senses after German Fixation or Fixierung — more at fix entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fixation

• complement fixation
• nitrogen fixation

Kids Definition

fixation

noun

fix·​a·​tion fik-ˈsā-shən 

1

: the act, process, or result of fixing

2

: a state of concern or attachment especially when abnormal and lasting for a long time

Medical Definition

fixation

noun

fix·​a·​tion fik-ˈsā-shən 

1

: the act, process, or result of fixing, fixating, or becoming fixated: as

a

: the act or an instance of focusing the eyes upon an object

b

: a persistent concentration of libidinal energies upon objects characteristic of psychosexual stages of development preceding the genital stage

c

: stereotyped behavior (as in response to frustration)

d

: an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation or attachment

2

: the immobilization of the parts of a fractured bone especially by the use of various metal attachments