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 People are still fixated about the interest rate moves. Clem Chambers, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024 Assassination attempt suspect was fixated on Ukraine, sources said. Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2024 Ironically, the program’s big repertoire work was the one that would have most benefited from a panoramic view rather than fixating on the small stuff. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2024 Vanity Fair reporter Dominick Dunne (Nathan Lane) fixates on the case’s details. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fixate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fixate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near fixate

Cite this Entry

“Fixate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixate. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

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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