fixated

1 of 2

adjective

fix·​at·​ed ˈfik-ˌsā-təd How to pronounce fixated (audio)
Synonyms of fixatednext
: arrested in development or adjustment
especially : arrested at a pregenital level of psychosexual development

fixated

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of fixate

Examples of fixated in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Simply put, market watchers are failing to see the forest—the long-term rise of digital assets—and are instead fixated on the trees, which are represented by short-term price swings. — Peter Mintzberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 After hearing a mysterious radio transmission, Hig becomes fixated on seeking more survivors and sets out on a mission that allies him with Cima (Margaret Qualley) and her father (Guy Pearce). — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Above all, don’t become fixated on finding a magical combination of words that will guarantee a pleasant response. — Angela Haupt, Time, 17 Aug. 2026 Ingeborg is regularly compelled to steal things, while Adam is fixated on becoming an object himself. — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fixated

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from past participle of fixate

First Known Use

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fixated was in 1926

Rhymes for fixated

See All Rhymes for fixated

Browse Nearby Words

fixate
fixated
fixatif
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Cite this Entry

“Fixated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixated. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

fixated

adjective
fix·​at·​ed
: arrested in development or adjustment
especially : arrested at a pregenital level of psychosexual development

More from Merriam-Webster on fixated

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for fixated

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