fixated: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Psychological, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “fixated” mean?
obsessively focused on or attached to a particular person, object, or idea.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
obsessively focused on or attached to a particular person, object, or idea.
In psychology, describes an arrested stage of psychosexual development; more broadly, a state of being unable to stop thinking about something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. Slightly more common in UK academic/psychological writing historically, but usage is now nearly identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “fixated” in a Sentence
to be/become fixated on [noun phrase]to be/become fixated with [noun phrase]to be fixated by [noun phrase] (less common)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fixated” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He had fixated on that idea for years.
- The tabloids fixated on every detail of the scandal.
American English
- She fixated on winning the case above all else.
- The media fixated with the celebrity's divorce.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used. Possibly 'He stared fixatedly at the screen.'
American English
- Not commonly used. 'She listened fixatedly to the story.'
adjective
British English
- His fixated stare made everyone uncomfortable.
- She has a rather fixated view of history.
American English
- The child was fixated on the moving mobile.
- His fixated behavior was a concern to the therapist.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The CEO became fixated on minor cost-cutting, ignoring strategic opportunities.'
Academic
Common in psychology/sociology. 'The study examined adolescents fixated on social media validation.'
Everyday
Describing obsessive behaviour. 'He's completely fixated on his new diet.'
Technical
Specific meaning in Freudian psychoanalysis describing arrested development.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fixated”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fixated”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fixated”
- Using 'fixated' without the preposition 'on/with' (e.g., 'He is fixated his rival' - INCORRECT).
- Confusing it with the simple past 'fixed'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Mostly yes. It implies an excessive, often unhealthy focus. In neutral contexts, 'focused' or 'concentrated' is preferred.
Primarily 'on' (most common) and 'with'. 'By' is possible but rare ('He was fixated by her eyes').
They are near synonyms. 'Obsessed' is stronger and more general; 'fixated' often implies the focus is narrowed to one specific point or object.
Very rarely. Even when describing dedication (e.g., 'fixated on success'), it subtly suggests a lack of balance.
obsessively focused on or attached to a particular person, object, or idea.
Fixated is usually formal, academic, psychological, journalistic in register.
Fixated: in British English it is pronounced /fɪkˈseɪtɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɪkˈseɪt̬ɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Have a bee in one's bonnet (about something) - similar informal idea.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FIXed + fASCINATED = FIXATED. You are fixed in place, fascinated by one thing.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTENTION IS GLUE (the mind is glued/stuck to one point).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'fixated' correctly?