1. An abnormal state in which development has stopped prematurely
   "The psychologist diagnosed the patient with fixation";
   - arrested development, infantile fixation, regression
    
2. An unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone
   "Her fixation on her ex-boyfriend prevented her from moving on";
   - obsession
    
3. The activity of fastening something firmly in position
   "The fixation of the broken bone required surgery"
    
4. (histology) the preservation and hardening of a tissue sample to retain as nearly as possible the same relations they had in the living body
   "Proper fixation of the specimen is crucial for accurate microscopic analysis";
   - fixing

Derived forms: fixations

Type of: abnormalcy [US], abnormality, attachment, fastening, preoccupation, preservation

Part of: plastination

Encyclopedia: Fixation, ocular