Fixate: meaning, definitions and examples

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fixate

[ ˈfɪk.seɪt ]

^{Context #1}

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

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}

psychology

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

Synonyms

attach, become fixated on, cling to

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

Translations of the word "fixate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fixar

🇮🇳 स्थिर करना

🇩🇪 fixieren

🇮🇩 memfokuskan diri

🇺🇦 зафіксувати

🇵🇱 utwierdzać

🇯🇵 固定する (kotei suru)

🇫🇷 fixer

🇪🇸 fijar

🇹🇷 sabitlenmek

🇰🇷 고정하다 (gojeonghada)

🇸🇦 تثبيت (tathbit)

🇨🇿 fixovat

🇸🇰 fixovať

🇨🇳 固定 (gùdìng)

🇸🇮 fiksirati

🇮🇸 festa

🇰🇿 бекіту

🇬🇪 დაფიქსირება (dap'iks'ireba)

🇦🇿 bərkitmək

🇲🇽 fijar

Word origin

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.