fixation

noun

fix·​a·​tion fik-ˈsā-shən 

: the act, process, or result of fixing, fixating, or becoming fixated: such as

a

: a persistent concentration of libidinal energies upon objects characteristic of psychosexual stages of development preceding the genital stage

b

: stereotyped behavior (as in response to frustration)

c

: an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation or attachment

Synonyms

• obsession

Examples of fixation in a Sentence

their weight is an unfortunate fixation for many teenagers

Recent Examples on the Web

The industry’s fixation on efficiency has paved the way for a new opportunity. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

One of those eccentricities was James’s obsessive fixation on witches. —Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025

It is often characterized as a unproductive fixation on an idealized past, one that prevents people from living in the present and planning for the future. —Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

The fixation on trans athletes is a part of a larger anti-trans strategy from conservatives. —Samantha Riedel, Them., 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fixacioun "(in alchemy) reduction of a volatile substance to a form not alterable by fire or another agent of change," borrowed from Medieval Latin fīxātiōn-, fīxātiō, from fīxāre "to so reduce a volatile substance" (verbal derivative of Latin fīxus "firmly established, unchangeable") + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns; in psychological senses after German Fixation or Fixierung — more at fix entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fixation

• complement fixation
• nitrogen fixation

Rhymes for fixation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

fixation

noun

fix·​a·​tion fik-ˈsā-shən 

1

: the act, process, or result of fixing

2

: a state of concern or attachment especially when abnormal and lasting for a long time

Medical Definition

fixation

noun

fix·​a·​tion fik-ˈsā-shən 

1

: the act, process, or result of fixing, fixating, or becoming fixated: as

a

: the act or an instance of focusing the eyes upon an object

b

: a persistent concentration of libidinal energies upon objects characteristic of psychosexual stages of development preceding the genital stage

c

: stereotyped behavior (as in response to frustration)

d

: an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation or attachment

2

: the immobilization of the parts of a fractured bone especially by the use of various metal attachments