fixes; fixed; fixing
1
a
: to make (something) whole or able to work properly again : to repair (something)
He fixed the fence last weekend.
I need to fix this dent in my car.
fix a leaky faucet
b
: to deal with or correct (a problem)
Your proposals won't fix [=solve] anything.
People expect the schools to fix whatever is wrong with their kids.
2
: to attach (something) in such a way that it will not move
All tables on the ship will be fixed to the floor.
: to connect or join (things) physically
fix [=attach, fasten] this sign to your door
The table was fixed firmly to the floor.
The scarf was fixed in place with a pin.
—sometimes used figurativelyI want to fix this moment in my mind forever. [=I want to remember this moment forever]
3
a
: to set or place (something) definitely
They haven't yet fixed the date of their wedding.
They fixed the price at $10.
illegal price fixing
b
: to find out (something) with certainty
Investigators are still attempting to fix the exact time of the accident.
We're trying to fix [=get a fix on] the ship's location.
c
: to arrange the details of something
My lawyer fixed it [=made arrangements] so I wouldn't have to go to court.
4
chiefly US
a
: to make (something, such as a meal) ready
fix [=prepare, make] dinner
Can I fix [=make] you a drink? = Can I fix a drink for you?
b
informal
: to make (someone's hair, makeup, etc.) neat or attractive
We had to wait 10 minutes while she fixed her hair.
fixing her lipstick/makeup
5
: to control or affect (something, such as a game or election) in a dishonest way
They were accused of fixing games in college.
The election was fixed.
fix a parking ticket [=arrange for someone to not have to pay a fine for parking illegally]
6
: to change the appearance of (someone's face, nose, etc.) through surgery
She wants to get her nose fixed.
7
informal
: to do something to punish (someone who has treated you badly or unfairly)
They thought they could cheat me, but I fixed them good.
I'll fix you!
8
US
: to make (an animal) unable to reproduce : to neuter or spay (an animal)
You should have your dog/cat fixed.
9
US, informal + old-fashioned
: to be or get ready to do something
They were fixing to leave.
It looks like it's fixing to rain. [=it's about to rain]
Note: This sense of fix is sometimes used humorously to suggest the speech of cowboys in western movies.
10
technical
: to change (nitrogen) into a stable or useful form
bacteria that fix nitrogen
plural fixes
1
: a difficult or embarrassing situation
I found myself in an awful fix. [=mess, predicament]
2
: something that solves a problem : solution
There's no easy fix to this problem.
a quick fix
3
: the act of dishonestly controlling or affecting something (such as a game or election)
The result was unexpected, and some people suspect a fix.
(US) It was obvious early in the game that the fix was in. [=the outcome of the game was being controlled or affected in a dishonest way]
4
: an amount of an illegal drug that someone wants or needs to have
He was desperately in search of his next fix.
—often used figurativelyI got my nostalgia fix at my class reunion.
an ice-cream fix
5
a
: the exact position of something (such as a ship or an airplane)
an accurate fix
We're trying to get a fix on the ship's location. [=trying to find or determine the ship's exact location]
b
: 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.
Cite this Entry
“Fix.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/fix. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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