Fixated: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is overly focused on one thing to the point of distraction.

• He's fixated on his new video game and won't talk about anything else

Implies a compulsive or unhealthy focus on something, often used in a negative sense.

• She became obsessed with losing weight and started dieting excessively

Refers to being distracted or absorbed in thought, usually about something worrying or important.

• He was too preoccupied with his financial problems to enjoy the party

Indicates a deep involvement or interest in something, often to the extent it takes up most of one's time and energy.

• She was consumed by her work, often staying late at the office

Describes being deeply engaged or absorbed in something, usually temporarily.

• He was so engrossed in the book that he didn't hear the phone ring

Used when someone is stuck or cannot stop thinking about something, often in an unhealthy or excessive way. It has a negative connotation.

• He's fixated on his past mistakes.
• She became fixated on her ex-boyfriend after the breakup.

Indicates being overly preoccupied with something in a way that disrupts normal life. It has a negative connotation.

• She can't stop obsessing over her weight.
• He's obsessed over every minor detail of the project.

Similar to 'concentrate on,' it means giving special attention to one particular thing or activity, generally neutral.

• Let's focus on the main issues before discussing minor details.
• She focused on her career after graduation.

This implies zeroing in on a specific aspect out of many, typically for improvement or detailed attention.

• The detective honed in on a crucial piece of evidence.
• They honed in on their target market.

Describes directing all your attention and mental effort towards a particular activity, usually in a neutral or positive way.

• You need to concentrate on your homework.
• I find it hard to concentrate on my work when it's noisy.