fixates

Can't look away

Fixates means to focus attention intensely and often obsessively on something.

The word usually suggests unhealthy preoccupation: He fixates on every perceived slight.

In psychology, to fixate is to become arrested at an early developmental stage.

The eyes fixate when they lock onto a point rather than scanning.

attention

stare

Prolonged fixed gaze

gazeFixed, intent look
focusConcentrated attention point
concentrationSustained single-minded attention

watch · observe · scrutinize · examine · peer · regard · riveted · transfixed · locked · zeroed

obsession

preoccupied

Mentally elsewhere, not present

consumedFully used or eaten
infatuatedConsumed by shallow ardor
compulsiveUnable to stop oneself

monomania · haunted · possessed · dominated · intrusive · unrelenting · besieged · tormented · plagued · dwells

persistence

unwavering

Steady and unchanging

persistentContinuing despite difficulty
steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
unrelentingRefusing to let up

constant · unchanging · immovable · stubborn · unyielding · tenacious · dogged · relentless · inflexible · rigid

Opposites

attention duration and intensity

fixatesglances

Swift, passing looks

glimpses · skims · passes over · overlooks · looks away

cognitive flexibility

fixatesmoves on

Stops dwelling, advances

lets go · adapts · pivots · releases · detaches

emotional attachment

fixatesdetaches

Removes from connection

forgets · abandons · relinquishes · shrugs off · lets go

Phrases

oral fixationPsychological attachment to mouth activities
mother fixation
nitrogen fixationConverting inert gas to ammonia

Family

fixation, fixated, fixate, fixative, fixating, fixations

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G