I. ˈfiks 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 ˈfik-sə-bəl adjective
II. noun
Date: 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 especially by observation or analysis
3. : an act or instance of improper or illegal fixing
the fix was in
4. : a supply or dose of something strongly desired or craved
a coffee fix
especially : a shot of a narcotic
5. : fixation
6. : something that fixes or restores : solution
an easy fix