Fixated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fixated

[ˈfɪkˌseɪtɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling or showing an obsessive interest

Having an obsessive interest in someone or something; preoccupied to an unreasonable degree.

Synonyms

consumed, engrossed, obsessed, preoccupied.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fixated	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
obsessed	Implies a compulsive or unhealthy focus on something, often used in a negative sense. She became obsessed with losing weight and started dieting excessively
preoccupied	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
consumed	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
engrossed	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

Examples of usage

She was fixated on the idea of becoming a famous actress.
He became fixated on finding the perfect solution to the problem.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to focus one's attention or emotions on something

Cause (someone) to acquire an obsessive attachment to someone or something.

Synonyms

concentrate on, focus on, hone in on, obsess over.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fixated	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.
obsess over	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.
focus on	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.
hone in on	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.
concentrate on	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.

Examples of usage

She was fixated on the idea of success.
He fixated on the details of the plan.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Fixation can refer to a state where someone is overly focused on a thought or idea, often preventing them from moving on.
In childhood development, Freud identified several fixation stages, suggesting that challenges at any stage can affect adult behavior.
In therapeutic contexts, professionals may work with individuals to help them shift their fixation to more positive or productive thoughts.

Art

Many artists become fixated on a particular theme or subject, leading to a series of works exploring that focus, such as van Gogh’s paintings of the same trees.
The concept of fixation is often depicted in surrealist art where elements are exaggerated, symbolizing obsession or intense focus.
In literature, characters who become fixated often drive the plot forward; think of how Gatsby obsessively fixates on Daisy.

Cultural References

Songs often explore themes of fixation, such as obsession in popular tracks like 'Every Breath You Take' by The Police.
In movies, fixated characters can lead to thrilling narratives, as seen in 'Fatal Attraction', which examines the dark side of obsession.
The phrase 'fixated on' is commonly used in media to describe someone who can't stop thinking about a celebrity or a trending topic.

Science

In neuroscience, 'fixation' refers to the mental process of focusing attention, crucial for learning and memory.
Emotions related to fixation can trigger specific brain responses, particularly in areas associated with reward and pleasure.
Studies indicate that people may become fixated on problems, impacting decision-making and creativity.

Educational Insights

Fixation can hinder learning; educators encourage varying thought patterns to prevent students from becoming overly focused on a single idea.
Group discussions can help students who are fixated on personal perspectives broaden their understanding.
Understanding the concept of fixation in learning allows educators to create strategies that foster diverse thinking.

Origin of 'fixated'

The word 'fixated' is derived from the verb 'fixate,' which comes from the Latin word 'fixus,' meaning 'fixed.' The concept of fixation has been studied in psychology, particularly in terms of fixation in psychoanalysis. It refers to a persistent focus of the id's pleasure-seeking energies at an earlier stage of psychosexual development.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,695, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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25692 adjectival
25693 extirpated
25694 instilling
25695 fixated
25696 suave
25697 sprite
25698 collectivization
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