idée fixe
Unshakeable mental preoccupation
An idée fixe is an obsessive idea that dominates someone's thinking—a fixation that won't let go.
The French term (literally "fixed idea") appears in psychology for pathological obsessions and in music for a recurring theme, as in Berlioz's symphonies.
In general use, it suggests a preoccupation bordering on monomania: His idée fixe was proving the conspiracy real.
Fixation on single idea
- preoccupationAbsorbing mental focus
- single-mindednessExclusive focus on purpose
- obsessiveConsumed by fixation
- fanaticalExtremely and uncritically devoted
compulsion · engrossment · absorption · infatuation · fascination · mania · passion · fetish
Firmly held belief
Unyielding determination to continue
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- stubbornnessRefusal to yield
- inflexibilityQuality of being unbending
- rigidityState of being unbending
unyielding · determination · perseverance · steadfastness · constancy · unwavering · relentless · unshakeable
Anxiously dwelling on something
- dwellingPlace of residence
- preoccupationAbsorbing mental focus
- ponderingThinking deeply about something
- obsessingThinking about compulsively
mulling · turning over · intrusive thought · circular thinking
monomania
Fixation on single idea
- preoccupationAbsorbing mental focus
- single-mindednessExclusive focus on purpose
- obsessiveConsumed by fixation
fanatical · compulsion · engrossment · absorption · infatuation · fascination · mania · passion · fetish · hang-up
conviction
Firmly held belief
- dogmaUnchallengeable official beliefs
- doctrineEstablished body of teachings
- credoGuiding personal doctrine
tenet · principle · certainty · gospel · article of faith
doggedness
Unyielding determination to continue
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- stubbornnessRefusal to yield
- inflexibilityQuality of being unbending
rigidity · unyielding · determination · perseverance · steadfastness · constancy · unwavering · relentless · unshakeable · entrenched
brooding
Anxiously dwelling on something
- dwellingPlace of residence
- preoccupationAbsorbing mental focus
- ponderingThinking deeply about something
obsessing · mulling · turning over · intrusive thought · circular thinking
idée fixefleeting thought
Brief, quickly forgotten idea
passing fancy · whim · afterthought · caprice · random thought
idée fixeopen mind
Absence of prejudgment
mental flexibility · open-mindedness · adaptability · cognitive flexibility · broad-mindedness
idée fixedetachment
Separation or emotional uninvolvement
equanimity · letting go · non-attachment · peace of mind · indifference
idea, fixed, fixation, unfixed, fixated, fixate, fixative, fixating, fixates