Meaning & Definition of word "Fixate"

Fixate

/ˈfɪk.seɪt/

verb:

  • 1. To focus one's attention (on someone or something); to become overly attached to or obsessed with something.
    • Example: He tends to fixate on minor details and lose sight of the bigger picture.
  • 2. To concentrate or focus steadily on something.
    • Example: She fixated on the road ahead, unwilling to distract her mind with other thoughts.
  • 3. In psychology, to focus or dwell on a particular idea or object, often leading to an unhealthy obsession.
    • Example: The patient fixated on the past trauma, making it difficult for him to move forward.

Etymology

From Latin 'fixare', meaning 'to fasten, attach'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

fixate on:

To obsessively focus on something.

fixated gaze:

A stare that is intensely focused on a single point.

fixated thoughts:

Thoughts that are overly focused and persistent.

Related Words

fixation:

An obsessive interest or focus on something.

fixator:

A device used to stabilize a bone or body part.

Slang Meanings of fixate

Meaning: To be overly obsessed with something.

Example Sentence: He's totally fixated on getting that new game.

Meaning: To have a crush or infatuation.

Example Sentence: She’s fixating on that guy from her class.