fixation
noun
fix·a·tion
fik-ˈsā-shən 
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
Warren F. KimballExamples of fixation in a Sentence
their weight is an unfortunate fixation for many teenagers
Recent Examples on the Web
Summer is often defined by a single fruit fixation that pervades all categories of beauty, from skin care to fragrance, hair and body.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
Newman believes New York City plays a unique role because of the city’s deep cultural fixation on real estate and status tied to homeownership.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 May 2026
Every generous gesture, every supposedly respectful question, every delicate expression of complete fixation becomes quietly infected by the growing understanding that Cole sees Māori humanity itself as something ornamental.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 May 2026
The problem arises when anger becomes a fixation and gets out of control.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fixation
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.
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
Newman believes New York City plays a unique role because of the city’s deep cultural fixation on real estate and status tied to homeownership.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 May 2026
Every generous gesture, every supposedly respectful question, every delicate expression of complete fixation becomes quietly infected by the growing understanding that Cole sees Māori humanity itself as something ornamental.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 May 2026
The problem arises when anger becomes a fixation and gets out of control.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fixation
Cite this Entry
“Fixation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixation. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
