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 verb1 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, attach2 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 : adjust5: to get ready : prepare <fix lunch>6 a: repair, mend <fix the clock> b: restore, cure <the doctor fixed him up> c: spay, castrate7 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 verb1: to become firm, stable, or fixed2: 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