Library / English Dictionary

FIXATE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Become fixed (on)

Example:

Her eyes fixated on a point on the horizon

Synonyms:

fixate; settle on

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "fixate" is one way to...):

freeze; stop dead (stop moving or become immobilized)

Sentence frames:

Something ----s
Something is ----ing PP

Sense 2

Meaning:

Make fixed, stable or stationary

Example:

let's fix the picture to the frame

Synonyms:

fix; fixate

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "fixate" is one way to...):

attach (cause to be attached)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something

Derivation:

fixation ((histology) the preservation and hardening of a tissue sample to retain as nearly as possible the same relations they had in the living body)

fixation (the activity of fastening something firmly in position)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Pay attention to exclusively and obsessively

Example:

The media are fixating on Princess Diana's death

Classified under:

Verbs of seeing, hearing, feeling

Hypernyms (to "fixate" is one way to...):

advert; attend; give ear; hang; pay heed (give heed (to))

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s PP

Derivation:

fixation (an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Attach (oneself) to a person or thing in a neurotic way

Example:

He fixates on his mother, even at the age of 40

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Hypernyms (to "fixate" is one way to...):

attach; bind; bond; tie (create social or emotional ties)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s PP

Derivation:

fixation (an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone)

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