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Fixate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fixate

[หˆfษชk.seษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

mental state

To focus one's eyes, mind, or attention on something specific, to the exclusion of everything else.

Synonyms

dwell on, hone in on, obsess.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fixate

Used when someone is excessively focused on something, often to an unhealthy degree. It generally has a negative connotation.

  • She tends to fixate on minor details during her presentations.
  • He fixated on his ex-girlfriend's social media, which wasn't healthy.
obsess

Implying an intense and unhealthy preoccupation with something or someone, similar to 'fixate.' It also carries a negative connotation.

  • He's been obsessing over his weight lately, which isn't good for his mental health.
  • She obsessed about getting into the best college, neglecting other aspects of her life.
dwell on

Used when someone persists in thinking about something, usually a problem or a negative experience.

  • Try not to dwell on past mistakes; focus on improving instead.
  • She dwelled on their argument for days, which affected her mood.
hone in on

Used when someone is focusing on something with precision and attention. It is often positive, indicating concentration and detail-oriented behavior.

  • The scientist honed in on the exact cause of the experiment's failure.
  • She honed in on her speech preparation to ensure everything was perfect.

Examples of usage

  • He fixated on the details of the painting, ignoring everything else in the room.
  • She fixated on finding the perfect solution to the problem, unable to think about anything else.
  • I tend to fixate on my mistakes, replaying them over and over in my mind.
Context #2 | Verb

psychology

To develop a fixation or obsessive attachment to a person, object, or idea.

Synonyms

attach, become fixated on, cling to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fixate

Often used in a negative context to describe someone who is obsessively focused on something, usually in an unhealthy or unproductive way.

  • He tends to fixate on small details and misses the bigger picture
  • Don't fixate on your mistakes; learn from them and move on
attach

Commonly used in neutral or positive contexts to describe the act of physically or emotionally connecting something or someone.

  • Please attach the document to the email
  • She quickly attached herself to the new group of friends
cling to

Used more emotionally and often in a negative context to describe someone who holds on tightly, either physically or emotionally, usually out of fear or insecurity.

  • The child clung to his mother in the crowded room
  • She tends to cling to past relationships instead of moving on
become fixated on

Used in a negative context to describe someone who develops an unhealthy obsession with something or someone. It often implies a deeper psychological issue.

  • He became fixated on the idea of perfection and couldn't complete his work
  • She has become fixated on dieting, which is affecting her health

Examples of usage

  • He fixated on his ex-girlfriend, unable to move on from the past relationship.
  • She fixated on the idea of perfection, constantly striving for unattainable standards.
  • The patient fixated on a childhood trauma, unable to progress in therapy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, fixating can describe an unhealthy preoccupation with a particular person, object, or idea.
  • This behavior can impact mental health, leading to conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • It is often observed during childhood development, where kids may fixate on certain toys or activities.

Pop Culture

  • In many films and books, characters often fixate on past traumas, which can shape their decisions and relationships.
  • Songs sometimes describe fixating on love or heartbreak, emphasizing the strong feelings people experience.
  • Social media can lead to fixation on curated images, causing issues with self-esteem and reality perception.

Science

  • In the field of optics, fixate refers to the act of maintaining a gaze on a specific point, crucial for depth perception.
  • Fixation duration is crucial in studies of human attention and decision-making.
  • Some studies use the term to describe eye movement patterns when observing visual stimuli.

Literature

  • Many authors use 'fixation' to illustrate a characterโ€™s internal struggles or obsessions in their narratives.
  • Classic literature often features characters who are fixated on past events, showing the weight of memory.
  • Poetry can employ the concept of fixation metaphorically, expressing a deep attachment to emotions or moments.

Origin of 'fixate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'fixare', meaning to make firm or to fasten.
  • Originally used in a scientific context in the 19th century to describe the process of making something permanent or stable.
  • It evolved over time to include psychological meanings related to intense focus or obsession.

The word 'fixate' originated from the Latin word 'fixus' meaning 'fixed' or 'immovable'. It entered the English language in the mid-19th century. The concept of fixating or focusing on something can be traced back to early psychological studies on attention and perception. Over time, 'fixate' has evolved to encompass both the act of focusing one's attention and developing an obsessive attachment.

See also: fix, fixable, fixated, fixatedly, fixating, fixation, fixations, fixative, fixed, fixer, fixes, fixing, fixity, fixture, transfix, unfixable, unfixed.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,315 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.