Fixate: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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