fixation

noun

fix·​a·​tion fik-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce fixation (audio)
: 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

Examples of fixation in a Sentence

their weight is an unfortunate fixation for many teenagers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Photograph by Adam Ferguson for TIME Central to Forrest’s pitch is a cutting dismissal of the corporate fixation on quarterly returns. Justin Worland, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025 Retroactive jealousy involves an unhealthy fixation with the partner’s former partners, which can lead to intrusive thoughts, insecurity, and even relationship problems. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 18 Feb. 2025 My fixation with my hands kicked off a few months back, after an eczema flare-up on my knuckles. Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 13 Feb. 2025 The trouble with the creep of harm and evil is that our fixation on smaller and smaller injustices may lead us to destroy institutions that work to keep us safe, like the courts and the police. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fixation

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fixation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fixation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixation. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

fixation

noun
fix·​a·​tion fik-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce fixation (audio)
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 How to pronounce fixation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on fixation

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