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

The never-ceasing interest, even fixation, of the royals was on the preservation of their dynasty.

—Warren F. Kimball

Synonyms of fixation

• obsession

Examples of fixation in a Sentence

their weight is an unfortunate fixation for many teenagers

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite the industry’s fixation on Zaslav’s big payday, the spoils from the sale will spread through the rank and file. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026

What’s more, the proliferation of gossip handles like Deux Moi and fan accounts like ClubChalamet mean that doubling down on a parasocial fixation can be a legitimate career path, and a profitable one at that. —Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 20 Apr. 2026

Makeup Deals Under $25 My current makeup fixations are glowy bases and flushed cheeks. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026

That reality complicates the industry’s fixation on recycling, particularly the push toward closed-loop systems that promise to turn old garments into new ones. —Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2026

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