obsess
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
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(tr; when passive, foll by with or by) to preoccupy completely; haunt
-
(intr; usually foll by on or over) to worry neurotically or obsessively; brood
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has obsessedperfect 3rd person singular
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have obsessedperfect
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have been obsessingperfect progressive
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is obsessingprogressive 3rd person singular
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are obsessingprogressive
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am obsessingprogressive 1st person singular
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has been obsessingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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obsessingparticiple
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obsessessingular 3rd person
Past
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had obsessedperfect
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were obsessingprogressive plural
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had been obsessingperfect progressive
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was obsessingprogressive singular
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obsessedparticiple
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obsessedsimple
Future
Etymology
Origin of obsess
1495–1505; < Latin obsessus, past participle of obsidēre to occupy, frequent, besiege, equivalent to ob- ob- + -sid ( ēre ) combining form of sedēre to sit 1
Explanation
If you obsess about something, you constantly think about it, like kids who obsess about their grades so much, they get upset before every test. Obsess comes from the Latin word obsessus, which means to besiege, the way obsessive thoughts can besiege, or attack, your mind. You can obsess about something, like the tiny spot on your shoes that no one can even see, or be obsessed, or haunted or preoccupied by something. For example, the memory of a big, delicious dinner could obsess a hungry man.
Vocabulary lists containing obsess
"Sisters" by Raina Telgemeier
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Counting by 7s
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Vocabulary from Golden Globe Winners
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“You don’t have to obsess about the war as you might if in other energy sectors,” he says.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
Too often, they write, we obsess over making ourselves more appealing to others — or more “lovable” — when we should be striving for stronger communication.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026
And while investors obsess over semiconductor stocks and hyperscalers, a quieter capital rotation is under way.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026
“It probably makes little sense, given our lifestyle, to obsess over retirement accounts.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
And if I do, I obsess in such a precise way as to prevent even a drop of disorder.
From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
