fixate

verb

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

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.
In emergency situations, people often fixate on the first responders’ arrival time, unaware of the critical steps that make this process quick and effective. — Julie Song, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 But Messi’s presence overshadows them all, and right now, Campbell and the bartender are fixated on whether Messi will even play. — Pablo Maurer, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025 In part, this is because DOGE is ideologically driven, fixated more on grievances than on actual productive goals, and is carelessly destroying government capacity without preserving what is necessary. — Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 12 Mar. 2025 In one clip, my eyes fixated on the weather: the gray sky and heavy rain. — Edna Bonhomme, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 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

Rhymes for fixate

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Browse Nearby Words

fix
fixate
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Cite this Entry

“Fixate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixate. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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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 him— The Journal of the American Medical Association
2
: to undergo arrestment at a stage of development

More from Merriam-Webster on fixate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fixate

Nglish: Translation of fixate for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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