fixate

verb

fix·​ate ˈfik-ˌsāt 

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

Many of these people are fixated on being in front of the camera. —Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025

At first, Bree appears fixated on enacting vengeance against Cane while refusing to confront her own flaws. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 June 2025

Cal is fixated chiefly on using his bonus to buy a vintage MGB convertible car. —Caroline Blair, People.com, 11 June 2025

In its fourth week of operation, there is already so much to fixate on at Cannonball. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025

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

Rhymes for fixate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Medical Definition

fixate

verb

fix·​ate ˈfik-ˌsāt 

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 him

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

2

: to undergo arrestment at a stage of development