What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fixate
Example
She tends to fixate on small details and misses the bigger picture. [fixate: verb]
Example
His eyes fixated on the painting, unable to look away. [fixated: adjective]
obsess
Example
He obsesses over his appearance, spending hours in front of the mirror. [obsess: verb]
Example
Her obsession with cleanliness borders on compulsive behavior. [obsession: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obsess is more commonly used than fixate in everyday language, especially in the context of mental health. Fixate is less common and tends to be used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fixate and obsess?
Both fixate and obsess are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as psychology or psychiatry.
