fixate

[ fik-seyt ]
/ ˈfɪk seɪt /

verb (used with object), fix·at·ed, fix·at·ing.

to fix; make stable or stationary.

verb (used without object), fix·at·ed, fix·at·ing.

to become fixed.
Psychoanalysis. to develop a fixation; suffer an arrest in one's emotional or sexual development.

Origin of fixate

1880–85; < Latin fix(us) fixed, firm (see fix) + -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM fixate

un·fix·at·ed, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for fixate

British Dictionary definitions for fixate

fixate
/ (ˈfɪkseɪt) /

verb

to become or cause to become fixed
to direct the eye or eyes at a point in space so that the image of the point falls on the centre (fovea) of the eye or eyes
psychol to engage in fixation
(tr; usually passive) informal to obsess or preoccupy

Word Origin for fixate

C19: from Latin fixus fixed + -ate 1

Medical definitions for fixate

fixate
[ fĭksāt′ ]

v.

To make fixed, stable, or stationary.
To focus one's eyes or attention on something.
To develop a fixation; become excessively attached to a person or thing.