obsession

noun

ob·​ses·​sion äb-ˈse-shən 

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

äb-ˈse-sh(ə-)nəl 

əb-

adjective

obsessionally adverb

Synonyms

• fetish
• fetich
• fixation
• idée fixe
• mania
• preoccupation
• prepossession

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

The mad obsession with identity politics controls entertainment-industry trade media, especially coverage of the Oscar nominations. —Armond White, National Review, 2 Feb. 2024

But over the past few years, climate change, social media, and a pandemic-era obsession with the outdoors have combined to make these already intense sports even more extreme. —Talia Barrington, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2024

His first obsession was Comme des Garçons, but jewels in his archive include many rare early pieces by other designers including Yohji Yamamoto, Jean Paul Gaultier, Martin Margiela, Vivienne Westwood, and Issey Miyake. —Luke Leitch, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2024

And to think this national obsession began with a man named Charles Miller, son of a Scottish father and Anglo-Brazilian mother, who was born in Brazil, educated in England and returned in 1894 with two leather soccer balls and a rulebook. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

Vandross’ weight struggles were crucified in the press throughout his career, and the documentary doesn’t shy away from the impact and inappropriateness of the media’s obsession with the singer’s size. —Kui Mwai, Essence, 29 Jan. 2024

This is no surprise, considering Gen Z’s undying obsession with this vintage fridge staple. —Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 2024

Inside the visitors clubhouse was proof of the obsession: A baseball team was suddenly hooked on espresso. —Rustin Dodd, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024

Then again, the fashion world's obsession with the early aughts has yet to loose steam, so the reference tracks. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 21 Jan. 2024

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Word History

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

obsession

noun

ob·​ses·​sion äb-ˈsesh-ən 

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- 

: a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling

also : something that causes such preoccupation compare compulsion, phobia

obsessional

-ˈsesh-nəl, -ən-ᵊl 

adjective