obsession

[uhb-sesh-uhn]

noun

1. the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, desire, etc.

2. the idea, image, desire, feeling, etc., itself.

3. the state of being obsessed. obsessed.

4. the act of obsessing.

obsession

/ əbˈsɛʃən /

noun

1. psychiatry a persistent idea or impulse that continually forces its way into consciousness, often associated with anxiety and mental illness

2. a persistent preoccupation, idea, or feeling

3. the act of obsessing or the state of being obsessed

obsession

1. A preoccupation with a feeling or idea. In psychology, an obsession is similar to a compulsion.

Other Word Forms

• obsessional adjective
• nonobsession noun
• nonobsessional adjective
• self-obsession noun
• obsessionally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of obsession¹

First recorded in 1505–15; from Latin obsessiōn-, stem of obsessiō “blockade, siege,” from obsess(us) “occupied, besieged” (past participle of obsidēre “to occupy, besiege”; obsess ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

“Driven by isolation, psychosis and an all-consuming obsession with his mother, Gein’s perverse crimes birthed a new kind of monster that would haunt Hollywood for decades.”

From Los Angeles Times

While animal sacrifice is a real part of some ceremonies, the media’s obsession with this particular practice has created a distorted picture that reduces an entire spiritual system to a single, sensationalized act.

From Los Angeles Times

But Loudermilk is partially justifying his ongoing obsession about Jan. 6 as if there was some dark cover-up.

From Salon

Podcast host Joe Rogan also weighed in, demonstrating that this Tylenol obsession is not about science, but about men who are obsessed with controlling women.

From Salon

Whether it’s a semi-ironic obsession with artisanal cheese-making, a random passion for sitar music or a stubborn preference for a flip phone, there are many wonderful contradictions about humans that algorithms can’t quite pin down.

From Salon

Related Words

• compulsion 
• delusion 
• enthusiasm 
• fascination 
• infatuation 
• mania 
• passion 
• phobia 
• preoccupation