Fixating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fixating

[หˆfษชk.seษชtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

mental health

To focus one's attention in a persistent or obsessive manner.

Synonyms

dwell on, fixate on, obsess.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fixating

Use 'fixating' when someone is focusing too intently on something, often in a repetitive or unhealthy way. This can imply an inability to move on from a subject or event.

  • He kept fixating on the mistake, unable to think about anything else.
  • She's been fixating on her ex even after all these years.
obsess

Use 'obsess' when someone is constantly thinking about something to an unhealthy degree. This word carries a stronger, often negative connotation of excessive preoccupation.

  • She is obsessed with checking her phone every five minutes.
  • He's been obsessing over his health lately, checking every slight symptom.
dwell on

Use 'dwell on' when referring to someone spending too much time thinking or talking about something, typically something negative or unproductive.

  • Try not to dwell on the past; focus on the future instead.
  • He tends to dwell on minor disappointments.
fixate on

Use 'fixate on' to describe someone who is overly focused on one particular thing, often with an implication of it being irrational or excessive.

  • She tends to fixate on details and misses the bigger picture.
  • He is fixated on becoming the top student, no matter the cost.

Examples of usage

  • She was fixating on the idea that everyone was talking about her behind her back.
  • He couldn't stop fixating on the mistake he made at work last week.
Context #2 | Verb

psychology

To engage in repetitive or ritualistic behavior as a result of anxiety or obsession.

Examples of usage

  • The patient was fixating on washing her hands multiple times a day due to her fear of germs.
  • He started fixating on checking the locks on the doors every few minutes.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Fixation can lead to obsessive thoughts, where a person is unable to shift their attention away from a specific idea or object.
  • In psychology, itโ€™s often discussed in connection with phases of development, affecting how a person behaves later in life.
  • Fixating on a goal can be positive, driving motivation, but it might also hinder overall well-being when it turns to obsession.

Literature

  • Writers often use fixating themes to explore characters' desires and motivations, affecting their journeys and conflicts.
  • Notable novels depict characters who fixate on an object or idea, illustrating deeper emotional or mental struggles.
  • The concept of fixating can also appear in poetry, capturing the intensity of longing or desire in a few powerful lines.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, fixating on a person or goal often drives the plot, especially in thrillers where obsession leads to twists.
  • Social media can encourage fixating on influencers or trends, impacting how people perceive themselves and each other.
  • Characters in popular series sometimes embody fixation, resulting in memorable quotes and iconic moments.

Science

  • Research shows that fixating on certain stimuli can enhance memory and learning, helping us remember details better.
  • In vision science, fixation refers to the ability of our eyes to hold focus on a single point for clarity.
  • Studies in neuropsychology highlight how fixating can lead to patterns of brain activity that show what we prioritize.

Art

  • Artists often use fixating techniques to draw the viewer's attention to specific elements within their works.
  • Some paintings depict a subject with such intensity that the viewer cannot help but fixate on it, capturing emotion and narrative.
  • In photography, the concept of 'focus' parallels fixating, as the photographer chooses what to highlight in an image.

Origin of 'fixating'

The word 'fixating' is derived from the verb 'fixate,' which comes from the Latin word 'fixus,' meaning 'fixed' or 'fastened.' The concept of fixating one's attention has been observed in psychology and mental health studies, where individuals may exhibit repetitive or obsessive behaviors. The term has gained popularity in discussing issues related to focus, obsession, and anxiety.


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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,574, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.