Fixation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /fik-ˈsā-shən/ fix·a·tion

Meaning & Definition of Fixation

Fixation (noun)

  1. the act, process, or result of fixing, fixating, or becoming fixated
  2. a persistent concentration of libidinal energies upon objects characteristic of psychosexual stages of development preceding the genital stage
  3. stereotyped behavior (as in response to frustration)

Fixation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned

    "their weight is an unfortunate fixation for many teenagers"

    similar: fetish, idée fixe, mania, obsession, preoccupation, prepossession
    related: monomania, complex, hang-up, problem, trip, appetite, cacoëthes, compulsion, craving, desire, drive, enthusiasm, fascination, hankering, hunger, infatuation, itch, longing, lust, passion, pining, thirst, urge, yearning, yen, idiosyncrasy, quirk, bent, disposition, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency
    near: apathy, disinterestedness, disregard, indifference, insouciance, nonchalance, unconcern, unconcernedness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Fixation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Fixation:

fetish, idée fixe, mania, obsession, preoccupation, prepossession

Related Words for Fixation

monomania, complex, hang-up, problem, trip, appetite, cacoëthes, compulsion, craving, desire, drive, enthusiasm, fascination, hankering, hunger, infatuation, itch, longing, lust, passion, pining, thirst, urge, yearning, yen, idiosyncrasy, quirk, bent, disposition, inclination

Near Antonyms of Fixation

apathy, disinterestedness, disregard, indifference, insouciance, nonchalance, unconcern, unconcernedness

Origin & Etymology of Fixation

Middle English fixacioun "(in alchemy) reduction of a volatile substance to a form not alterable by fire or another agent of change," borrowed from Medieval Latin fīxātiōn-, fīxātiō, from fīxāre "to so reduce a volatile substance" (verbal derivative of Latin fīxus "firmly established, unchangeable") + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns; in psychological senses after German Fixation or Fixierung fix:1

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Fixation

complement fixation, nitrogen fixation

Frequently Asked Questions about Fixation

What does "Fixation" mean?

"Fixation" means the act, process, or result of fixing, fixating, or becoming fixated. As a noun, it is defined as: the act, process, or result of fixing, fixating, or becoming fixated.

What is another word for "Fixation"?

Other words for "Fixation" include fetish, idée fixe, mania, obsession, preoccupation and prepossession. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Fixation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Fixation"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Fixation". Common alternatives include fetish, idée fixe, mania, obsession, preoccupation and prepossession.

How do you use "Fixation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Fixation" in a sentence: "their weight is an unfortunate fixation for many teenagers".

Is "Fixation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Fixation" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Fixation"?

"Fixation" is pronounced /fik-ˈsā-shən/ and divided into syllables as fix·a·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Fixation"?

"Fixation" comes from Middle English fixacioun "(in alchemy) reduction of a volatile substance to a form not alterable by fire or another agent of change," borrowed from Medieval Latin fīxātiōn-, fīxātiō, from fīxāre "to so reduce a volatile substance" (verbal derivative of Latin fīxus "firmly established, unchangeable") + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns; in psychological senses after German Fixation or Fixierung fix:1. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Fixation" meaning "something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned"?

When "Fixation" (noun) means something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned, synonyms include fetish, idée fixe, mania, obsession, preoccupation and prepossession.