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

• problem
• fascination
• preoccupation
• fixation
• fetish
• mania
• enthusiasm

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

In the original video, Rupert Grint (yes, Ron Weasley from Harry Potter) played a Sheeran superfan with a serious, unhealthy obsession — sneaking onstage during a show, hopping into Sheeran’s tour bus, and even chewing his gum. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025

Unlike millennials, who grew up on 1990s diet culture and calorie obsession, Gen Z views food through a wellness lens, focusing on long-term benefits, mental health, and natural ingredients. —Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Aug. 2025

Now watch Madelyn Cline get her monthly facial: Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 4 Aug. 2025

In my view, an obsession with component cost and supply control stifles true value creation in the industry. —Amish Shah, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "control of a person by an evil spirit," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, "siege, condition of a person possessed by a demon," borrowed from Latin obsessiōn, obsessiō "act of besieging, blockade" (Late Latin, "possession by a demon"), from obsidēre "to occupy, besiege, beset" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at obsess

Note: See note at obsess.

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for obsession

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• oppression
• possession

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