obsession

noun

ob·ses·sion | \ äb-ˈse-shən

, əb-\

Definition of obsession

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.

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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

Instead, the current obsession with inequality is a hangover from the shock of the first decade of the 21st century, when falling incomes were widespread but especially crushing for those at the bottom. — Karl W. Smith, Twin Cities, "Karl W. Smith: The good news about income inequality," 15 Sep. 2019 Skip to main content Brie and Nikki are featured guests on the 10-city USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience tour USA TODAY NEW YORK — For Antoni Porowski, the corgi obsession is very real. — Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, "Antoni Porowski, Bella Twins bring latkes, laughs to USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience in NYC," 8 Sep. 2019 As curious as that may seem for an entire city to be so in love with a drive-thru fast food chain, the obsession is real. — Tirion Morris, azcentral, "This is the best fast food restaurant in Arizona, according to Food & Wine magazine," 28 Aug. 2019 But the impeachment obsession is threatening vulnerable freshman Democrats in those Trump districts. — Marc A. Thiessen, The Mercury News, "Thiessen: Mueller’s testimony is good news for Trump and Pelosi," 25 July 2019 This obsession with protein is not only unnecessary. — Chase Purdy, Quartz, "The American diet is having an unhealthy love affair with protein," 20 July 2019 Locally caught whitefish is a popular alternative to Minnesota’s walleye obsession and can be ordered a number of different ways. — Christopher Magan, Twin Cities, "Keys to Door County: food, hikes and spectacular sunsets," 14 Sep. 2019 But when the killer's crimes begin to defy all scientific explanation, Locke's obsession with finding the truth threatens to destroy his career, his family, and possibly his sanity. — Sara Delgado, Teen Vogue, "Netflix Celebrated Friday the 13th With New Horror Movies and Shows for Halloween 2019," 13 Sep. 2019 Lurking beneath that obsession with friendship dynamics, however, is the subtler adolescent fear of leaving home and having to find affection on one’s own terms, out in the cold, grown-up world. — Josephine Livingstone, The New Republic, "The Mysteriously Enduring Appeal of Friends," 10 Sep. 2019

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

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Dictionary Entries near obsession

Statistics for obsession

Last Updated

17 Oct 2019

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Time Traveler for obsession

The first known use of obsession was in 1680

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More Definitions for obsession

obsession

noun

English Language Learners Definition of obsession

: a state in which someone thinks about someone or something constantly or frequently especially in a way that is not normal

: someone or something that a person thinks about constantly or frequently

: an activity that someone is very interested in or spends a lot of time doing

See the full definition for obsession in the English Language Learners Dictionary

obsession

noun

ob·ses·sion | \ əb-ˈse-shən

Kids Definition of obsession

: a persistent abnormally strong interest in or concern about someone or something

obsession

noun

ob·ses·sion | \ äb-ˈsesh-ən, əb-

Medical Definition of obsession

: a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling also : something that causes such preoccupation — compare compulsion, phobia