fixate

verb

fix·​ate ˈfik-ˌsāt How to pronounce fixate (audio)
fixated; fixating

transitive verb

1
: to make fixed, stationary, or unchanging
2
: to focus one's gaze on
3
: to direct (the libido) toward an infantile form of gratification

intransitive verb

1
: to focus or concentrate one's gaze or attention intently or obsessively
2
: to undergo arrestment at a stage of development

Examples of fixate in a Sentence

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.
Speaking of prime suspects, Detectives Wallace and Oliva are still fixated on Harrison, with Wallace correctly noting that Harrison living at the hotel where Ryan’s murder took place is far from an alibi. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 25 July 2025 What makes matters worse is how fixated her mother-in-law seems to be on her sister, someone she’s only met once. Ashley Vega, People.com, 24 July 2025 The president is fixated on bringing manufacturing back to the United States. Sheldon H. Jacobson, Twin Cities, 23 July 2025 The sudden decision to release grand jury testimony and seek a meeting with Maxwell marks a notable shift for Bondi and appears aimed at appeasing a political base that remains fixated on Epstein’s ties to the powerful and the still-unanswered questions surrounding his death. Nik Popli, Time, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fixate

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from fixation, in part as translation of German fixieren

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fixate was in 1885

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fixate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixate. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

Medical Definition

fixate

verb
fix·​ate ˈfik-ˌsāt How to pronounce fixate (audio)
fixated; fixating

transitive verb

1
: to focus one's gaze on
2
: to direct (the libido) toward an infantile form of gratification

intransitive verb

1
: to focus or concentrate one's gaze or attention
an infant with normal vision … will fixate on a light held before himThe Journal of the American Medical Association
2
: to undergo arrestment at a stage of development

More from Merriam-Webster on fixate

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