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.
obsessionally
adverb
Synonyms
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
Rise of the taco king The modern period of L.A.’s taco obsession arguably begins in earnest with the arrival of the taco truck in Los Angeles in 1974.
—
Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2024
The other is Kate's lifelong obsession with figuring out how to use science to make a raging tornado literally vanish literally into thin air.
—Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 20 July 2024
Referring to a fundraiser Sacks hosted for Trump in San Francisco last month, the former president mentioned one of Silicon Valley’s current obsessions — the growing demand for electricity to train expensive and energy consumptive AI models.
—Nitasha Tiku, Washington Post, 18 July 2024
Apparently, the painter (who also sees herself as a gardener) got over her obsession, finding her own personal voice.
—The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for obsession 
Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2024
The other is Kate's lifelong obsession with figuring out how to use science to make a raging tornado literally vanish literally into thin air.
—Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 20 July 2024
Referring to a fundraiser Sacks hosted for Trump in San Francisco last month, the former president mentioned one of Silicon Valley’s current obsessions — the growing demand for electricity to train expensive and energy consumptive AI models.
—Nitasha Tiku, Washington Post, 18 July 2024
Apparently, the painter (who also sees herself as a gardener) got over her obsession, finding her own personal voice.
—The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for obsession
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Obsession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsession. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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