English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

fixation

fihks-AY-shuhn

Fixation (noun) means an intense, often unhealthy preoccupation with a particular person, idea, or thing. Example: “She developed a fixation with keeping the house spotless.”

noun
1
An intense, often unhealthy preoccupation with a particular person, idea, or thing.
"She developed a fixation with keeping the house spotless."
"His fixation on the score cost him his focus on the game itself."
2
The act of fixing or holding something securely in place, or making it permanently stable.
"The surgeon used a metal plate for fixation of the fractured bone."

How to Use Fixation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn obsessive focus on something, or (more technically) the act of holding something firmly and permanently in place.

Common pairings
an unhealthy fixation oral fixation

Word Forms

fixations plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “fixation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She developed a _____ with keeping the house spotless.

Etymology

From French fixation, ultimately from Latin figere, "to fasten" — the same root as "fix" and "fixture."

Origin: Latin

fixing obsession regression infantile fixation arrested development

Related Words

Rhymes for fixation

See all rhymes for fixation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “fixation” mean?

The word “fixation” means an intense, often unhealthy preoccupation with a particular person, idea, or thing. In plain terms, an obsessive focus on something, or (more technically) the act of holding something firmly and permanently in place.

How do you pronounce “fixation”?

“Fixation” is pronounced fihks-AY-shuhn (/fɪksˈeɪʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “fixation” in a sentence?

Here is “fixation” used in a sentence: “She developed a fixation with keeping the house spotless.”

What part of speech is “fixation”?

“Fixation” is a noun.

Where does the word “fixation” come from?

The word “fixation” comes from Latin. From French fixation, ultimately from Latin figere, "to fasten" — the same root as "fix" and "fixture.".

Is “fixation” a common word?

“Fixation” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “fixation” have?

“Fixation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an intense, often unhealthy preoccupation with a particular person, idea, or thing.

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial