fixation

noun

fix·​a·​tion fik-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce fixation (audio)
: 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

Examples of fixation in a Sentence

their weight is an unfortunate fixation for many teenagers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The United States can use this fixation to impose steep costs on China, such as by finding ways to circumvent online censorship and disseminate writing by Chinese dissidents about the government’s corruption and economic failings. Kyle Balzer, Foreign Affairs, 21 Nov. 2024 But this theory is complicated by how perfectly Vance’s rightward turn has tracked the fixations of conservative activists and élites. Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 Her natural beauty is not limited to her face, chopping off her hair to put a hard stop to her weave fixation. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 11 Oct. 2024 Internet users were obsessed with the cat's food fixation, but others, unaware of her weight-loss journey, shared their concerns. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fixation 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fixation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near fixation

Cite this Entry

“Fixation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixation. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

fixation

noun
fix·​a·​tion fik-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce fixation (audio)
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 How to pronounce fixation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on fixation

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