fix

¹fix

verb \ˈfiks\

Definition of FIX

transitive verb

1

a : to make firm, stable, or stationary

b : to give a permanent or final form to: as (1) : to change into a stable compound or available form <bacteria that fix nitrogen> (2) : to kill, harden, and preserve for microscopic study (3) : to make the image of (a photographic film) permanent by removing unused salts

c : affix, attach

2

a : to hold or direct steadily <fixes his eyes on the horizon>

b : to capture the attention of <fixed her with a stare>

3

a : to set or place definitely : establish

b : to make an accurate determination of : discover <fixing our location on the chart>

c : assign <fix the blame>

4

: to set in order : adjust

5

: to get ready : prepare <fix lunch>

6

a : repair, mend <fix the clock>

b : restore, cure <the doctor fixed him up>

c : spay, castrate

7

a : to get even with

b : to influence the actions, outcome, or effect of by improper or illegal methods <the race had been fixed>

intransitive verb

1

: to become firm, stable, or fixed

2

: to get set : be on the verge <we're fixing to leave soon>

3

: to direct one's attention or efforts : focus; also : decide, settle —usually used with on <had fixed on the first Saturday in June>

— fix·able \ˈfik-sə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of FIX

1. He fixed the fence last weekend.
2. I need to fix this dent in my car.
3. People expect the schools to fix whatever is wrong with their kids.
4. All tables on the ship will be fixed to the floor.
5. The table was fixed firmly to the floor.
6. The scarf was fixed in place with a pin.
7. They haven't yet fixed the date of their wedding.
8. They fixed the price at $10.
9. Investigators are still attempting to fix the exact time of the accident.

Origin of FIX

Middle English, from Latin fixus, past participle of figere to fasten; akin to Lithuanian dygti to sprout, break through

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FIX

Synonyms

depose, deposit, dispose, emplace, place, lay, position, put, set, set up, situate, stick

Antonyms

detach, undo, unfasten, unhook

Related Words

move, rearrange, reorder, shift; orient; establish, locate, plant, settle; clap, flop, plank, plop, plump, plunk (or plonk), plunk down, slap; ensconce, niche; assemble, collect; carry; berth, park; affix, anchor, lock, lodge, wedge; array, lay out, line up, queue, rank; set down

Near Antonyms

relocate, remove, take; banish; dislodge, displace, replace, supersede, supplant

See Synonym Discussion at fasten

Rhymes with FIX

Brix, mix, nix, pyx, six, Styx

²fix

noun

Definition of FIX

1

: a position of difficulty or embarrassment : predicament

2

a : the position (as of a ship) determined by bearings, observations, or radio; also : a determination of one's position

b : an accurate determination or understanding especially by observation or analysis

3

: an act or instance of improper or illegal fixing <the fix was in>

4

: a supply or dose of something strongly desired or craved <a coffee fix>; especially : a shot of a narcotic

5

: fixation

6

: something that fixes or restores : solution <an easy fix>

Examples of FIX

1. There's no easy fix to this problem.
2. The result was unexpected, and some people suspect a fix.

First Known Use of FIX

1809

Related to FIX

Synonyms

bind, box, catch-22, corner, dilemma, predicament, hole, impasse, jackpot [chiefly West], jam, mire, pickle, quagmire, rabbit hole, rattrap, spot, sticky wicket, swamp

Related Words

difficulty, node; hot water, soup; pinch, plight, quandary, scrape, trouble; deadlock, halt, logjam, stalemate, standstill; clutch, crisis, crossroad, emergency, exigency, juncture, strait