Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense fixes, present participle fixing, past tense, past participle fixed
1. verb
If something is fixed somewhere, it is attached there firmly or securely.
It is fixed on the wall. [beVERB-ed preposition/adverb]
Most blinds can be fixed directly to the top of the window-frame. [beVERB-ed preposition/adverb]
He fixed a bayonet to the end of his rifle. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
2. verb
If you fix something, for example a date, price, or policy, you decide and say exactly what it will be.
He's going to fix a time when I can see him. [VERB noun]
The date of the election was fixed. [VERB noun]
The prices of milk and cereals are fixed annually. [beVERB-ed]
Synonyms: decide, set, name, choose More Synonyms of fix
3. verb
If you fix something for someone, you arrange for it to happen or you organize it for them.
I've fixed it for you to see Bonnie Lachlan. [VERB noun + for]
It's fixed. He's going to meet us at the airport. [beVERB-ed]
They thought that their relatives would be able to fix the visas. [VERB noun]
He vanished after you fixed him with a job. [VERB noun + with]
We fixed for the team to visit our headquarters. [VERB + for]
They'd fixed yesterday that Mike'd be in late today. [VERB that]
Synonyms: arrange, organize, sort out, see to More Synonyms of fix
4. verb
If you fix something which is damaged or which does not work properly, you repair it.
He cannot fix the electricity. [VERB noun]
If something is broken, we get it fixed. [get/have n V-ed]
Synonyms: repair, mend, service, sort More Synonyms of fix
5. verb
If you fix a problem or a bad situation, you deal with it and make it satisfactory.
It's not too late to fix the problem, although time is clearly getting short. [VERB noun]
Fixing a 40-year-old wrong does not mean, however, that history can be undone. [VERB-ing]
6. countable noun [usually adjective NOUN]
You can refer to a solution to a problem as a fix.
[informal]
Many of those changes could just be a temporary fix.
Synonyms: solution, result, answer, resolution More Synonyms of fix
7. See also quick fix
8. verb
If you fix your eyes on someone or something or if your eyes fix on them, you look at them with complete attention.
She fixes her steel-blue eyes on an unsuspecting local official. [VERB noun + on]
Her soft brown eyes fixed on Kelly. [VERB + on]
The child kept her eyes fixed on the wall behind him. [VERB-ed]
9. verb [no passive]
If you fix someone with a particular kind of expression, you look at them in that way.
[literary]
He took her hand and fixed her with a look of deep concern. [VERB noun with noun]
He fixed me with a lopsided grin. [VERB noun with noun]
10. verb
If you fix your attention on someone or something, you think about them with complete attention.
Fix your attention on the practicalities of financing your schemes. [VERB noun on noun]
Attention is fixed on the stock market. [VERB noun on noun]
She kept her mind fixed on the practical problems which faced her. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: focus, direct at, level at, fasten on More Synonyms of fix
11. verb
If someone or something is fixed in your mind, you remember them well, for example because they are very important, interesting, or unusual.
Leonard was now fixed in his mind. [beVERB-ed + in]
Amy watched the child's intent face eagerly, trying to fix it in her mind. [VERB noun + in]
12. verb
If someone fixes a gun, camera, or radar on something, they point it at that thing.
The crew fixed its radar on the enemy ship. [VERB noun + on]
The bore of the gun remained fixed on me. [VERB noun on noun]
13. verb
If you fix the position of something, you find out exactly where it is, usually by using radar or electronic equipment.
He had not been able to fix his position. [VERB noun]
The satellite fixes positions by making repeated observations of each star. [VERB noun]
...accurate position fixing. [VERB-ing]
Fix is also a noun.
The army hasn't been able to get a fix on the transmitter.
14. singular noun
If you get a fix on someone or something, you have a clear idea or understanding of them.
[informal]
It's been hard to get a steady fix on what's going on.
15. verb
If you fix some food or a drink for someone, you make it or prepare it for them.
Sarah fixed some food for us. [VERB noun + for]
Let me fix you a drink. [VERB noun noun]
Scotty stayed behind to fix lunch. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: prepare, make, cook, put together More Synonyms of fix
16. verb [no passive]
If you fix your hair, clothes, or make-up, you arrange or adjust them so you look neat and tidy, showing you have taken care with your appearance.
[informal]
'I've got to fix my hair,' I said and retreated to my bedroom. [VERB noun]
She called a cab, fixed her face, and scrawled a hasty note to Brian. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: neaten, arrange, adjust, tidy More Synonyms of fix
17. verb [usually passive]
If you have your teeth fixed, you have treatment from a dentist to make your teeth even, straight, and white.
[informal]
The PR man suggested that I might benefit from getting my teeth fixed. [VERB-ed]
I wonder if Tom ever had his teeth fixed anywhere else? [VERB-ed]
18. verb
If someone fixes a race, election, contest, or other event, they make unfair or illegal arrangements or use deception to affect the result.
[disapproval]
They offered opposing players bribes to fix a decisive league match. [VERB noun]
We didn't 'fix' anything. It'll be seen as it happens. [VERB noun]
The debate seems, in retrospect, to have been fixed from the beginning. [VERB noun]
...this week's report of match-fixing. [VERB-ing]
Synonyms: rig, set up [informal], influence, manipulate More Synonyms of fix
Fix is also a noun.
It's all a fix, a deal they've made.
19. verb
If you accuse someone of fixing prices, you accuse them of making unfair arrangements to charge a particular pricefor something, rather than allowing market forces to decide it.
[business, disapproval]
...a suspected cartel that had fixed the price of steel for the construction market. [VERB noun]
The company is currently in dispute with the government over price fixing. [VERB-ing]
20. countable noun
An injection of an addictive drug such as heroin can be referred to as a fix.
[informal]
21. countable noun [noun NOUN]
You can use fix to refer to an amount of something which a person gets or wants and which helps them physically or psychologically to survive.
[informal]
It turned the country into an 'aid junkie', heavily dependent on its annual fix ofdollars.
I need my fix of sugar, sweets, and chocolate.
The trouble with her is she needs her daily fix of publicity.
...a quick energy fix.
Synonyms: dose, hit, shot, injection More Synonyms of fix
22. singular noun [aNOUN, usu in/intoN]
If you are ina fix, you are in a difficult situation, especially one that you have caused for yourself.
[informal]
He was in a fix.
The government has really got itself into a fix.
This will put us in a very difficult economic fix.
Synonyms: mess, spot [informal], corner, hole [slang] More Synonyms of fix
23. verb
To fix something such as a dye or photographic image means to treat it with chemicals so that it does not lose its colour or disappear.
Paints consist of pigments bound by a medium which fixes the colour. [VERB noun]
24. verb
If you say that you will fix someone, you mean that you will stop their activities permanently.
[informal]
That'll fix him. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: put paid to, destroy, ruin, get rid of More Synonyms of fix
25. verb [only cont]
If you say that you are fixingto do something, you mean that you are planning or intending to do it.
[US, informal]
I'm fixing to go to graduate school. [VERB to-infinitive]
He would know when I was fixing to leave. He'd wait by the front door. [VERB to-infinitive]
26. See also fixed, fixings
Phrasal verbs:
See fix on
See fix up
More Synonyms of fix
fix in British English
(fɪks)
verb(mainly tr)
1. (also intr)
to make or become firm, stable, or secure
2.
to attach or place permanently
fix the mirror to the wall
3. (often foll by up)
to settle definitely; decide
let us fix a date
4.
to hold or direct (eyes, attention, etc) steadily
he fixed his gaze on the horizon
5.
to call to attention or rivet
6.
to make rigid
to fix one's jaw
7.
to place or ascribe
to fix the blame on someone
8.
to mend or repair
9. informal
to provide with
how are you fixed for supplies?
10. informal
to influence (a person, outcome of a contest, etc) unfairly, as by bribery
11. slang
to take revenge on; get even with, esp by killing
12. informal
to give (someone) his or her just deserts
that'll fix him
13. informal
to arrange or put in order
to fix one's hair
14. informal
to prepare
to fix a meal
15. dialect or informal
to spay or castrate (an animal)
16. US dialect or informal
to prepare oneself
I'm fixing to go out
17. photography
to treat (a film, plate, or paper) with fixer to make permanent the image rendered visible by developer
18. cytology
to kill, preserve, and harden (tissue, cells, etc) for subsequent microscopic study
19.
a.
to convert (atmospheric nitrogen) into nitrogen compounds, as in the manufacture of fertilizers or the action of bacteria in the soil
b.
to convert (carbon dioxide) into organic compounds, esp carbohydrates, as occurs in photosynthesis in plants and some microorganisms
20.
to reduce (a substance) to a solid or condensed state or a less volatile state
21. (intransitive) slang
to inject a drug
noun
22. informal
a predicament; dilemma
23.
the ascertaining of the navigational position, as of a ship, by radar, observation, etc
24. slang
an intravenous injection of a drug, esp heroin
25. informal
an act or instance of bribery
Derived forms
fixable (ˈfixable)
adjective
Word origin
C15: from Medieval Latin fixāre, from Latin fixus fixed, from Latin fīgere
fix in American English
(fɪks)
verb transitiveWord forms: fixed or ˈfixing
1.
a.
to make firm, stable, or secure
b.
to fasten or attach firmly
2.
to set firmly in the mind
3.
a.
to direct steadily
to fix the eyes on a target
b.
to direct one's eyes steadily at
to fix the target
4.
to make rigid or stiff
to fix one's jaw
5.
to make permanent or lasting
color is fixed in dyeing
6.
a.
to arrange or establish definitely; set
to fix the date of a wedding
b.
to determine with certainty
to fix the period of the dinosaurs' existence
c.
to assign or ascribe
the jury must fix guilt
7.
to arrange properly or in a certain way; set in order; adjust
8.
to restore to proper condition; repair, mend, remedy, heal, etc.
9.
to bank, refuel, and tend (a fire)
10.
to prepare and cook (food or meals)
11.
to preserve (a specimen) so that its tissue, etc. can be used for microscopic study
12. US, Informal
to influence the result or action of (a horse race, jury, election, etc.) to one's advantage by bribery, trickery, etc.
13. US, Informal
to revenge oneself on; get even with; punish or chastise
14. Informal
to spay or castrate
15. Chemistry
a.
to make solid, permanent, or nonvolatile
b.
to cause (atmospheric nitrogen) to combine with other elements or compounds to formnitrates, ammonia, etc.
16. Photography
to make (a film, print, etc.) permanent and prevent from fading by washing in a chemical solution
verb intransitive
17.
to become fixed, firm, or stable
18. Informal, Dialectal
to prepare or intend
I'm fixing to go hunting
noun
19.
the position of a ship or aircraft determined from the bearings of two or more knownpoints, from astronomical observations, or from radio signals, etc.
20. US, Informal
a difficult or awkward situation; predicament
21. Informal
an adjustment, repair, improvement, etc.
a short-term fix
22. US, Slang
a.
the act of fixing the outcome of a contest, situation, etc.
b.
a contest, situation, etc. that has been fixed
23. Slang
a clear understanding or evaluation
to get a fix on the problem
24. Slang
an injection of a narcotic, as heroin, by an addict
SIMILAR WORDS: preˈdicament
Idioms:
fix on
fix up
fix up
Derived forms
fixable (ˈfixable)
adjective
Word origin
ME fixen < fix, fixed < L fixus, pp. of figere, to fasten, attach: see finish
fix in Hospitality
(fɪks)
Word forms: (present) fixes, (past) fixed, (perfect) fixed, (progressive) fixing
verb
(Hospitality (hotel): Housekeeping and maintenance)
If you fix something which is damaged or which does not work properly, you repair it.
While they were fixing the leak, we had no water.
When will you fix the broken elevator?
It took a day to get the broken light fixed in the bathroom.
More idioms containing
fix
there is no quick fix
get a fix on someone or something
if it ain't broke, don't fix it
Examples of 'fix' in a sentence
fix
You get a fixed return on the loan over a set period until it is repaid.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Prestige also admitted price fixing but it is no longer trading.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Prices are fixed by the government and cannot be raised above a certain limit.
The Sun (2016)
Fixed ideas about what makes a good relationship can be changed into something wonderful.
The Sun (2016)
We need to stop applauding quick fixes.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The designers have a tricky job balancing the editorial page elements around the fixed advertising positions.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They will fix the problem and save us a ton of money.
Computing (2010)
Investors lend money to a company in return for a fixed income over a set number of years.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We love seeing who wins - but we'll feel bereft without our daily jungle fix.
The Sun (2016)
At which point they fixed me a look that was a mix of pity and incredulity.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Presumably other presenters on the show have no fixed views about anything.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
No sooner does one thing get fixed and crossed off than another emerges.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
That bulge in the kitchen wall needed fixing pronto.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Consumers worried about rising prices can fix their energy bills.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
This leaves the coalition government in a fix.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Your mind seems fixed on a particular opportunity.
The Sun (2015)
The idea of a fixed retirement age is of recent origin.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
All prices are fixed and no bargaining is required.
Delaforce, Patrick Collins Traveller, Brittany (1993)
We are working daily to fix the court and things are getting better.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The leakage of fixed income assets under management also appears to have slowed.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
There is a lot more that needs fixing in the adoption system than that.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The leaders become more fixed in their positions.
Al Ries and Laura Ries THE 22 IMMUTABLE LAWS OF BRANDING (2002)
We need to properly engage with these people to help fix their problems.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The steel giant plans to make structures that fix wind turbines to the sea bed.
The Sun (2010)
He could fix anything in this house.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
But it must be hell trying to get your car fixed or your bins emptied.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It was not fixed to a wall.
The Sun (2016)
All this has sent energy experts in search of the next available energy fix.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The government needs to fix this deficit fast.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is reassuringly simple both to drive and to fix but looks and feels like a properracing car.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
That is the notion that an economy contains a fixed amount of work over which a growing labour force must battle.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
If you want to minimise your monthly payments it clearly still makes sense to get a two-year fix.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
There are just a few five-year fixes now clinging on to just below 3 per cent.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Quotations
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
In other languages
fix
British English: fix /fɪks/ VERB
attach If you fix something to another thing, you join them together.
She fixed the shelf to the wall.
American English: fix
Arabic: يُثَبِّتُ
Brazilian Portuguese: fixar
Chinese: 固定
Croatian: popraviti
Czech: připevnit
Danish: ordne
Dutch: repareren
European Spanish: fijar acordar
Finnish: kiinnittää
French: fixer bricolage
German: befestigen
Greek: στερεώνω
Italian: fissare
Japanese: 固定する
Korean: ...을 (...에) 고정시키다
Norwegian: feste montere
Polish: umocować
European Portuguese: fixar
Romanian: a fixa
Russian: закреплять
Latin American Spanish: fijar reparar
Swedish: laga
Thai: ติด, ผนึก
Turkish: sabitlemek
Ukrainian: приєднати
Vietnamese: gắn
British English: fix /fɪks/ VERB
mend If you fix something that is broken, you mend it.
He fixed the radio.
American English: fix
Arabic: يُصْلِحُ
Brazilian Portuguese: consertar
Chinese: 修好
Croatian: popraviti
Czech: opravitrozbité
Danish: ordne
Dutch: repareren
European Spanish: reparar
Finnish: korjata
French: réparer
German: reparieren
Greek: επισκευάζω
Italian: riparare
Japanese: ･･･を修理する
Korean: 수리하다
Norwegian: reparere
Polish: naprawić
European Portuguese: reparar
Romanian: a repara
Russian: починить
Latin American Spanish: reparar
Swedish: laga
Thai: ซ่อม
Turkish: onarmak
Ukrainian: полагодити
Vietnamese: sửa chữa
All related terms of 'fix'
fix-it
of or having to do with fixing or repairing things
fix on
If you fix on a particular thing, you decide that it is the one you want and will have.
fix up
If you fix something up , you arrange it.
quick fix
If you refer to a quick fix to a problem, you mean a way of solving a problem that is easy but temporary or inadequate.
gold fixing
the procedure by which the price of gold is established
fix the problem
A problem is a situation that is unsatisfactory and causes difficulties for people.
fix someone's wagon
to hurt someone in some way so as to be revenged for a wrong, insult , etc.
there is no quick fix
said to mean that there are no simple ways of solving a problem
settle someone's hash
to subdue or silence someone
if it ain't broke, don't fix it
said to mean that things should only be changed if they are wrong . The word `ain't' is a form of `isn't' which is used in informal or non-standard English.
get a fix on someone or something
to have a clear idea or understanding of someone or something
Chinese translation of 'fix'
fix
(fɪks)
vt
(= set)[date, price, meeting]确(確)定 (quèdìng)
(= mend)[machine, leak, fault]修理 (xiūlǐ)
(= resolve)[problem]解决(決) (jiějué)
(= prepare)[meal, drink]准(準)备(備) (zhǔnbèi)
(inf)[game, election, result]操纵(縱) (cāozòng)
n
(inf)
to be in a fix陷入进(進)退维(維)谷的境地 (xiànrù jìn tuì wéi gǔ de jìngdì)
(c) (inf, = injection) 毒品注射 (dúpǐn zhùshè)
a fix of coffee/chocolate (inf) 我每天需要定量的咖啡/巧克力 (wǒ měitiān xūyào dìngliàng de kāfēi/qiǎokèlì)