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

The field of Iranian studies sometimes resembles a whodunit, fixated on finding a grand, overarching reason for the revolution. —Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 5 Aug. 2025

Some organizations are fixated on the long-term potential of GenAI, while others are focused on the short-term exploration of how AI can augment existing VSM practices. —Serge Lucio, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

As tensions skyrocketed, both the media and police fixated on the Son of Sam case. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2025

Also, she’s fixated on the strudel from Zabar’s, much like yours truly. —Literary Hub july 29, Literary Hub, 29 July 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