obsession

noun

ob·​ses·​sion äb-ˈse-shən How to pronounce obsession (audio)
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 adjective
obsessionally adverb

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 group has a particular obsession with Russia, accusing the Kremlin of being responsible for significant numbers of Muslim deaths due to operations in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Syria over the past few decades. Peter Aitken, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2024 With few details clarifying her condition, wild speculation filled the void along with frenzied internet obsessions, conspiracy theories and intense public interest into her well-being. Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2024 Amid this obsession, Green realized very few breweries specialize in beer and charcuterie in this way. Brian Manzullo, Detroit Free Press, 21 Mar. 2024 Well, a fashion sporty era that is, thanks to my new spring obsession: Rugby shirts. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2024 The obsession with lavish weddings grew to a fever pitch in the years following the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Samantha Delouya, CNN, 17 Mar. 2024 Karaoke became a Japanese obsession in the 1970s, associated with hard-drinking salarymen kicking back after work with sake and song. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2024 This discovery led to a feline obsession that culminated in a new exhibition opening this month at Almine Rech’s TriBeCa gallery. Nicole Demarco Dalya Benor Caitie Kelly Juan A. Ramírez Monica Mendal Janet Siroto, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 Long the obsession of ducks, azolla could grow into an increasingly essential crop for humans, too. Matt Simon, WIRED, 11 Mar. 2024

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.

Word History

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of obsession was in 1680

Dictionary Entries Near obsession

Cite this Entry

“Obsession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsession. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

obsession

noun
ob·​ses·​sion äb-ˈsesh-ən How to pronounce obsession (audio)
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- How to pronounce obsession (audio)
: a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling
also : something that causes such preoccupation compare compulsion, phobia
obsessional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on obsession

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!