Main Entry: ¹fix

Pronunciation: \ˈfiks\

Function: verb

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

Date: 14th century

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>

synonyms see fasten

— fix·able \ˈfik-sə-bəl\ adjective