fixation

[ fik-sey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of fixing or the state of being fixed.
2. Chemistry.
   1. reduction from a volatile or fluid to a stable or solid form.
   2. the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a useful compound, as a nitrate fertilizer.
3. Photography. the process of rendering an image permanent by removal of light-sensitive silver halides.
4. Psychoanalysis. a partial arrest of emotional and instinctual development at an early point in life, due to a severe traumatic experience or an overwhelming gratification.
5. a preoccupation with one subject, issue, etc.; obsession:

   All her life she had a fixation on stories of violent death.

fixation

/ fɪkˈseɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of fixing or the state of being fixed
2. a preoccupation or obsession
3. psychol
   1. the act of fixating
   2. (in psychoanalytical schools) a strong attachment of a person to another person or an object in early life
4. chem
   1. the conversion of nitrogen in the air into a compound, esp a fertilizer
   2. the conversion of a free element into one of its compounds
5. the reduction of a substance from a volatile or fluid form to a nonvolatile or solid form

Other Words From

• nonfix·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fixation¹

1350–1400; Middle English fixacion < Medieval Latin fixātiōn- (stem of fixātiō ) a reduction to a fixed state. See fix, -ation

Example Sentences

The defence counsel said: "He could not get away from this fixation that the osteopath caused him permanent damage."

From BBC

Crowd size has long been a fixation for Trump.

From Salon

Her gardening fixation comes from him making his children plant food so the family could eat.

From Salon

The campaign released an ad this week that argued that Trump's fixation on fascistic power would result in ordinary people paying the price, "with lower income and higher prices."

From Salon

They worry influencers are pushing children to splurge on products that in some cases could cause damage to sensitive young skin, and are concerned the craze is kick-starting an unhealthy fixation with physical appearance.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fascination
• infatuation
• preoccupation