fixate

verb

fix·​ate ˈfik-ˌsāt How to pronounce fixate (audio)
fixated; fixating

transitive verb

1
: to make fixed, stationary, or unchanging
2
: to focus one's gaze on
3
: to direct (the libido) toward an infantile form of gratification

intransitive verb

1
: to focus or concentrate one's gaze or attention intently or obsessively
2
: to undergo arrestment at a stage of development

Examples of fixate in a Sentence

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.
The stargazing artist’s early catalogue fixated on unspooling the mysteries of the universe. Jillian Steinhauer, New Yorker, 27 June 2025 The 14-time medalist urges Gen Z to stop fixating on how others are performing—and start defining success on their own terms. Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 June 2025 If in three years at BMO Stadium, the eyes are fixated on another quarterback leading the United States at the Olympics, Doucette will consider that still mission accomplished. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025 The push underscores how the president remains fixated on his loss to former President Biden in 2020, even after mounting a political comeback last year to win a second term. Cate Martel, The Hill, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fixate

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from fixation, in part as translation of German fixieren

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fixate was in 1885

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fixate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

fixate

verb
fix·​ate ˈfik-ˌsāt How to pronounce fixate (audio)
fixated; fixating

transitive verb

1
: to focus one's gaze on
2
: to direct (the libido) toward an infantile form of gratification

intransitive verb

1
: to focus or concentrate one's gaze or attention
an infant with normal vision … will fixate on a light held before himThe Journal of the American Medical Association
2
: to undergo arrestment at a stage of development

More from Merriam-Webster on fixate

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