fixation

noun

fix·​a·​tion fik-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce fixation (audio)
Synonyms of fixation
: 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
The never-ceasing interest, even fixation, of the royals was on the preservation of their dynasty.—Warren F. Kimball

Synonyms of fixation

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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.
This fixation was displayed in costumes and even large prop phalli that took center stage. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026 Oliver Reed plays Grandier; Vanessa Redgrave is Sister Jeanne, the head nun whose fixation on him helps fuel the catastrophe. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026 Each loving gesture and bashful smile from his aspiring girlfriend Nikki is punctuated by dread, every minute tense and unnerving as her fixation slowly takes a dark turn. — Mariam Bagdady, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026 Jennifer Lopez anticipated Milan’s fixation before the shows were properly underway. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026 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

Phrases Containing fixation

Rhymes for fixation

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Browse Nearby Words

fixatif
fixation
fixative
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Cite this Entry

“Fixation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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
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