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

Dedra becomes an object of his fixation about power. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 May 2025

Some weren’t that noticeable, but the ones that were became my daily fixation. —Vanese Maddix, Allure, 6 May 2025

The Incoherent Case for Tariffs Trump’s fixation on economic coercion will subvert his economic goals. —Antony J. Blinken, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2025

The market's irrational fixation on Musk's presence over performance metrics has created a situation where the very recovery measures Tesla needs most—new leadership and a return to its core mission—are the ones least likely to be implemented due to fear of short-term market reaction. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 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