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obsess

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verb ob·sess \ əb-ˈses , äb- \

Definition of obsess

transitive verb
:to haunt or excessively preoccupy the mind of
  • was obsessed with the idea
  • She was obsessed with her car.
intransitive verb
:to engage in obsessive thinking :become obsessed with an idea
  • He's always obsessing over money.

See obsess defined for English-language learners

See obsess defined for kids

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Examples of obsess in a Sentence

  1. The war obsesses him—he talks about nothing else.

  2. You need to stop obsessing and just deal with the problem.

Recent Examples of obsess from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'obsess.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of obsess

Latin obsessus, past participle of obsidēre to frequent, besiege, from ob- against + sedēre to sit — more at ob-, sit

OBSESS Defined for English Language Learners

obsess

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verb

Definition of obsess for English Language Learners

  • : to be the only person or thing that someone thinks or talks about

  • : to think and talk about someone or something too much

OBSESS Defined for Kids

obsess

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verb ob·sess \ əb-ˈses \

Definition of obsess for Students

obsessed; obsessing
:to occupy the thoughts of completely or abnormally
  • A new scheme obsesses him.

Medical Dictionary

obsess

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transitive verb ob·sess \ əb-ˈses, äb- \

medical Definition of obsess

:to preoccupy intensely or abnormally
  • was obsessed with success
intransitive verb
:to engage in obsessive thinking
  • solve problems rather than obsess about them
  • —Carol Tavris

Learn More about obsess

  1. See words that rhyme with obsess Spanish Central: Translation of obsess Nglish: Translation of obsess for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of obsess for Arabic speakers

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Examples: obsess in a Sentence