n.
Pronunciation: ' fiks
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin fixus, past participle of figere to fasten; akin to Lithuanian dygti to sprout, break through
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 a : to make firm, stable, or stationary b : to give a permanent or final form to: as (1) : to change into a stable compound or available form <bacteria that fix nitrogen> (2) : to kill, harden, and preserve for microscopic study (3) : to make the image of (a photographic film) permanent by removing unused salts c : AFFIX , ATTACH
2 a : to hold or direct steadily < fix es his eyes on the horizon> b : to capture the attention of < fix ed her with a stare>
3 a : to set or place definitely : ESTABLISH b : to make an accurate determination of : DISCOVER < fix ing our location on the chart> c : ASSIGN < fix the blame>
4 : to set in order : ADJUST
5 : to get ready : PREPARE < fix lunch>
6 a : REPAIR , MEND < fix the clock> b : RESTORE , CURE <the doctor fix ed him up> c : SPAY , CASTRATE
7 a : to get even with b : to influence the actions, outcome, or effect of by improper or illegal methods <the race had been fix ed >
intransitive verb
1 : to become firm, stable, or fixed
2 : to get set : be on the verge <we're fix ing to leave soon>
3 : to direct one's attention or efforts : FOCUS also : DECIDE , SETTLE ― usually used with on <had fix ed on the first Saturday in June>
synonyms see FASTEN
– fix · able \ ' fik-s ə -b ə l \ adjective