obsess
verb (used with object)
to dominate or preoccupy the thoughts, feelings, or desires of (a person); beset, trouble, or haunt persistently or abnormally.
had been obsessing
-
past perfect progressiveof obsess.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Mr. Boxleiter, Mr. Temkin and a third creator, Tommy Maranges, had been obsessing over the intricacies of deception games.
From New York Times ● Sep. 5, 2017
The release of that album felt cathartic, an answer to questions about her personal life that her fans had been obsessing over for months.
From New York Times ● Sep. 27, 2016
One source said Bush had been obsessing over every detail, down to the design of the ticket stubs.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 22, 2014
He was singing a phrase, the rhythm of which had been obsessing him all through his walk.
From Jean-Christophe, Volume I by Gilbert Cannan
This thought had been obsessing Hilda all the afternoon and evening.
From Hilda Lessways by Arnold Bennett
