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

• fetish
• fetich
• idée fixe
• mania
• obsession
• preoccupation
• prepossession

Examples of fixation in a Sentence

their weight is an unfortunate fixation for many teenagers

Recent Examples on the Web

But Cousins is less interested in this kind of narrative than in more abstract, occasionally speculative reflection on her aesthetic and spiritual fixations — pivoting on a formative 1949 hike to the Grindelwald Glacier in Switzerland. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 6 July 2024

Our fixation on personal liberty has morphed into disregard for the broader community’s interests that lay at the heart of America’s founding. —John Ragosta / Made By History, TIME, 1 July 2024

The condition, characterized by a fixation on a fear of having a serious illness or dying, often leads individuals through a cascade of unnecessary medical tests and consultations. —Hal Rosenbluth, STAT, 17 June 2024

What makes a fixation on GDP problematic has little to do with an error or bias in the measure itself. —Oshan Jarow, Vox, 3 July 2024

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

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