[fix] vb [ME, fr. L fixus, pp. of figere to fasten; akin to Lith dygti to sprout, break through] vt (14c) 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 ~ 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 "~es his eyes on the horizon" b: to capture the attention of "~ed her with a stare" 3 a: to set or place definitely: establish b: to make an accurate determination of: discover "~ing our location on the chart" c: assign "~ the blame"
4: to set in order: adjust
5: to get ready: prepare "~ lunch"
6. a: repair, mend "~ the clock" b: restore, cure "the doctor ~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 ~ed" ~ vi 1: to become firm, stable, or fixed
2: to get set: be on the verge "we're ~ing to leave soon"
3: to direct one's attention or efforts: focus; also: decide, settle--usu. used with on syn see fasten -- fix.able adj
[2]fix n (1809) 1: a position of difficulty or embarrassment: predicament
2. a: the position (as of a ship) determined by bearings, observations, or radio; also: a determination of one's position b: an accurate determination or understanding esp. by observation or analysis
3: an act or instance of improper or illegal fixing "the ~ was in"
4: a supply or dose of something strongly desired or craved; esp: a shot of a narcotic
5: fixation
6: something that fixes or restores "a quick ~"