fix

1 of 2

noun

1

: a position of difficulty or embarrassment : predicament

found myself in an awful fix

2

: something that fixes or restores : solution

an easy fix

3

a

: the position (as of a ship) determined by bearings, observations, or radio

also : a determination of one's position

b

: an accurate determination or understanding especially by observation or analysis

The system gives you a fix on the future.

They're trying to get a fix on how the stock will perform.

4

: an act or instance of improper or illegal fixing

The results of the game made people suspect a fix.

It was obvious early in the game that the fix was in. [=that the outcome was being controlled by improper or illegal methods]

5

: a supply or dose of something strongly desired or craved

a coffee fix

especially : a shot of a narcotic

6

: fixation

get a fix on

2 of 2

phrase

1

: to determine the exact position of something (such as a ship or an airplane)

We're trying to get a fix on the ship's location.

2

: to get an accurate understanding of something

Voters are still trying to get a fix on her character.

Analysts are reading reports to get a fix on how the market will perform.

Synonyms of fix

Noun

• predicament
• dilemma
• pickle
• bind
• hole

Examples of fix in a Sentence

Noun

There's no easy fix to this problem.

The result was unexpected, and some people suspect a fix.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The business brings in $250,000 annually with $160 carburetor fixes and $140 tune-ups. —Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 29 May 2026

But the fixes are rather simple. —Adam Summers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026

Unlike gas cars, electric vehicles do not need oil changes, oil filter replacements, new spark plugs, timing belt fixes, transmission fluid changes and exhaust system repairs. —Danny Smith, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Clearly, numerous legislative nudges to get cities to approve more housing as a key fix for housing costs appear to be working. —Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 29 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

derivative of fix entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fix

• fix it
• fix one's eyes/gaze/stare on/upon
• fix one's eyes on
• fix one's hopes/sights on/upon
• fix on/upon
• fix (someone) with
• fix up
• if it ain't broke, don't fix it
• quick fix
• the fix is in

Rhymes for fix

• bricks
• brix
• chicks
• clicks
• cliques
• dicks
• flicks
• kicks
• knicks
• licks
• mix
• nicks

Kids Definition

fix

1 of 2 verb

ˈfiks 

1

a

: to make firm, stable, or fast

b

: to give a permanent or final form to

c

: to change into a stable or useful form

bacteria that fix nitrogen

d

: affix entry 1 sense 1, attach

2

: to hold or direct steadily

fixed his eyes on the stage

3

: to set or place definitely : establish

fix the date of a meeting

4

: to get ready : prepare

fix dinner

5

: repair entry 2 sense 1

6

a

: to get even with

b

: to influence the outcome of (as a sports contest) dishonestly

7

: to get set : be on the verge

we're fixing to go

fixable

ˈfik-sə-bəl 

adjective

fix

2 of 2 noun

1

: a position of difficulty or embarrassment : predicament

2

: the position (as of a ship) decided upon by calculations and compass, observations, or radio

also : a deciding upon of one's position

3

a

: an act of bribery or fraud

b

: a sports contest whose outcome has been arranged in advance

4

: a dose of something strongly desired or craved

a chocolate fix

especially : a shot of a narcotic

Etymology

Verb

Middle English fixen "to fix, make firm," from Latin fixus, past participle of figere "to fasten, fix" — related to crucifix, crucify

Medical Definition

fix

1 of 2 transitive verb

ˈfiks 

1

a

: to make firm, stable, or stationary

b

: to give a permanent or final form to: as

(1)

: to change into a stable compound or available form

bacteria that fix nitrogen

(2)

: to kill, harden, and preserve for microscopic study

2

: to hold or direct steadily

fixes her eyes on the horizon

3

a

: restore, cure

the doctor fixed him up

b

: spay, castrate sense 1

intransitive verb

: to direct the gaze or attention : focus, fixate

—often used with on or upon

fix

2 of 2 noun

: a shot of a narcotic

Legal Definition

fix

transitive verb

1

a

: to make firm, stable, or stationary

b

: to attach physically

2

: to influence the actions, outcome, or effect of by improper or illegal methods

conspiracy to defraud the government by fixing income tax cases

—W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.

fix noun

fixer noun