fixate — (v.) 1885, to fix, make stable, from FIX (Cf. fix) (v.) + ATE (Cf. ate). Meaning to gaze upon is from 1889. Psychological sense is from 1926, originally in Freudian theory, in this case perhaps a back formation from FIXATION (Cf. fixation).… … Etymology dictionary
fixate — [v] focus become attached, center on, direct, haunt, infatuate, obsess, rivet one’s eyes*, zero in on; concepts 17,623 … New thesaurus
fixate — ► VERB 1) (often be fixated on) cause to be obsessively interested in. 2) direct one s eyes towards … English terms dictionary
fixate — [fik′sāt΄] vt., vi. fixated, fixating [< ML fixatus, pp. of fixare < fixus: see FIX] to make or become fixed; specif., a) to direct and focus (the eyes) on (a point or object) b) Psychoanalysis to attach or arrest (the expression of the… … English World dictionary
fixate — verb (fixated; fixating) Date: 1885 transitive verb 1. to make fixed, stationary, or unchanging 2. to focus one s gaze on 3. to direct (the libido) toward an infantile form of gratification intransitive verb 1. to focus or concentrate one s gaze… … New Collegiate Dictionary
fixate — /fik sayt/, v., fixated, fixating. v.t. 1. to fix; make stable or stationary. v.i. 2. to become fixed. 3. Psychoanal. to develop a fixation; suffer an arrest in one s emotional or sexual development. [1880 85; < L fix(us) fixed, firm (see FIX) +… … Universalium
fixate — verb a) To make something fixed and stable; to fix. b) To stare fixedly at something … Wiktionary
fixate — (Roget s 3 Superthesaurus) v. focus, direct, lock on to, obsess, attach, become attached … English dictionary for students
fixate — fix·ate || fɪkseɪt v. set firmly in place, stabilize, make steady; focus on (especially in an obsessive manner); experience arrested emotional development … English contemporary dictionary
fixate — [fɪk seɪt] verb 1》 (often be fixated on) cause to be obsessively interested in something or someone. ↘(in Freudian theory) arrest (a person or their libidinal energy) at an immature stage, causing an obsessive attachment. 2》 direct one s eyes … English new terms dictionary