fixation
UK: fɪkˈseɪʃən | US: fɪkˈseɪʃən
n. 1. The state of being obsessed with an idea or person.
n. 2. The process of making something stable or permanent.
n. 3. (Psychology) An unhealthy attachment to a developmental stage or object.
The word "fixation" originates from the Latin fixus (past participle of figere, meaning "to fasten"). The root fix retains its core meaning of stability or attachment, while the suffix -ation transforms it into a noun denoting a state or process. Over time, "fixation" evolved in psychology to describe persistent attachments, reflecting the idea of being "fastened" to a particular thought or object.
Her fixation on perfection made it hard to complete projects.
The fixation of the dye ensured the fabric wouldn’t fade.
Childhood trauma can lead to emotional fixation.
His fixation with vintage cars borders on obsession.
The scientist studied the fixation of nitrogen in soil.