¹fix

verb \ˈfiks\

: to make (something) whole or able to work properly again : to repair (something)

: to deal with or correct (a problem)

: to attach (something) in such a way that it will not move : to connect or join (things) physically

Full Definition of FIX

transitive verb

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

a : to hold or direct steadily <fixes his eyes on the horizon>

b : to capture the attention of <fixed her with a stare>

a : to set or place definitely : establish

b : to make an accurate determination of : discover <fixing our location on the chart>

c : assign <fix the blame>

: to set in order : adjust

: to get ready : prepare <fix lunch>

a : repair, mend <fix the clock>

b : restore, cure <the doctor fixed him up>

c : spay, castrate

a : to get even with

b : to influence the actions, outcome, or effect of by improper or illegal methods <the race had been fixed>

intransitive verb

: to become firm, stable, or fixed

: to get set : be on the verge <we're fixing to leave soon>

: to direct one's attention or efforts : focus; also : decide, settle —usually used with on <had fixed on the first Saturday in June>

— fix·able \ˈfik-sə-bəl\ adjective

See fix defined for English-language learners

See fix defined for kids

Origin of FIX

Middle English, from Latin fixus, past participle of figere to fasten; akin to Lithuanian dygti to sprout, break through

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FIX

Synonyms: depose, deposit, dispose, emplace, place, lay, position, put, set, set up, situate, stick

Antonyms: detach, undo, unfasten, unhook

Synonym Discussion of FIX

fasten, fix, attach, affix mean to make something stay firmly in place. fasten implies an action such as tying, buttoning, nailing, locking, or otherwise securing <fasten the reins to a post>. fix usually implies a driving in, implanting, or embedding <fixed the stake in the ground>. attach suggests a connecting or uniting by a bond, link, or tie in order to keep things together <attach the W-2 form here>. affix implies an imposing of one thing on another by gluing, impressing, or nailing <affix your address label here>.