fixation
noun
fix·a·tion
fik-ˈsā-shən 
a
: a persistent concentration of libidinal energies upon objects characteristic of psychosexual stages of development preceding the genital stage
b
: stereotyped behavior (as in response to frustration)
c
: an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation or attachment
Examples of fixation in a Sentence
their weight is an unfortunate fixation for many teenagers
Recent Examples on the Web
Silicon Valley’s visionaries are, in this view, not all cold rationalists; many of them are dreamers and believers whose fixations constitute, in Becker’s view, a spiritual narrative as much as a scientific one—a new theology of technology.
—
John Kaag, The Atlantic, 28 May 2025
Reductions in pupil responsiveness to light, accuracy and speed of rapid fixation eye movements, and the ability to verbally read aloud a series of numbers appear to be reasonably reliable markers for Alzheimer’s disease, Singman notes.
—Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 27 May 2025
Ben Heath, a seasoned digital marketing strategist and founder of Heath Media, advocates for a shift away from short-term fixation.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 24 May 2025
The Reddit community overwhelmingly supported his decision, with many questioning Amber's fixation on appearances.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fixation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
John Kaag, The Atlantic, 28 May 2025
Reductions in pupil responsiveness to light, accuracy and speed of rapid fixation eye movements, and the ability to verbally read aloud a series of numbers appear to be reasonably reliable markers for Alzheimer’s disease, Singman notes.
—Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 27 May 2025
Ben Heath, a seasoned digital marketing strategist and founder of Heath Media, advocates for a shift away from short-term fixation.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 24 May 2025
The Reddit community overwhelmingly supported his decision, with many questioning Amber's fixation on appearances.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fixation
Cite this Entry
“Fixation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixation. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fixation
noun
fix·a·tion
fik-ˈsā-shən
1
: the act, process, or result of fixing
2
: a state of concern or attachment especially when abnormal and lasting for a long time
Medical Definition
fixation
noun
fix·a·tion
fik-ˈsā-shən
1
a
: the act or an instance of focusing the eyes upon an object
b
: a persistent concentration of libidinal energies upon objects characteristic of psychosexual stages of development preceding the genital stage
c
: stereotyped behavior (as in response to frustration)
d
: an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation or attachment
2
: the immobilization of the parts of a fractured bone especially by the use of various metal attachments
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share