obsession

noun

ob·​ses·​sion äb-ˈse-shən How to pronounce obsession (audio)
əb-
1
: a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling
broadly : compelling motivation
an obsession with profits
has an obsession with gambling
2
: something that causes an obsession
Losing weight can be an obsession that results in the avoidance of certain foods.
obsessional adjective
obsessionally adverb

Examples of obsession in a Sentence

He was fascinated by the actress and tracking her every move had become an obsession. She has an obsession about cleanliness. Her concern about cleanliness approaches the level of obsession. Money has become an obsession for him.
Recent Examples on the Web Long the obsession of ducks, azolla could grow into an increasingly essential crop for humans, too. Matt Simon, WIRED, 11 Mar. 2024 But amid widespread distrust of the government, the report is unlikely to calm a growing obsession with aliens. Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 His current ingredient obsession Mushrooms and morels, definitely. Kristine M. Kierzek, Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2024 His judgment and obsession is his character flaw, not yours. Haben Kelati, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 That anxiety has helped give rise to a new corporate obsession: upskilling, the idea that companies should teach their staff new skills outside their current capabilities. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024 This is a towering achievement, combining an intimate character study with large-canvas exploration of scientific obsession, American exceptionalism and political gamesmanship, while also demonstrating that movies tackling knotty subjects don’t need to be dumbed down to draw a rapt audience. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024 His obsession with documentation was inherited from his grandfather Ahmed Odeh, who served for some thirty years as mayor of Qaryut. Shane Bauer, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024 Packed with atmospheric tension, psychological depth, and Nesbø's masterful suspense building, ‘The Snowman’ will immerse the reader into a gripping tale of fear, obsession, and the hunt for a killer. David Nikel, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obsession.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of obsession was in 1680

Dictionary Entries Near obsession

Cite this Entry

“Obsession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsession. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

obsession

noun
ob·​ses·​sion äb-ˈsesh-ən How to pronounce obsession (audio)
əb-
: a disturbing concern with an idea or feeling that cannot be put out of mind even when it is seen to be unreasonable
also : such a thought or feeling

Medical Definition

obsession

noun
ob·​ses·​sion äb-ˈsesh-ən, əb- How to pronounce obsession (audio)
: a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling
also : something that causes such preoccupation compare compulsion, phobia
obsessional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on obsession

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