plural obsessions
1
: a state in which someone thinks about someone or something constantly or frequently especially in a way that is not normal
He was fascinated by the actress and tracking her every move had become an obsession.
She has an obsession about cleanliness.
the object of her obsession [=the thing that she is obsessed about]
The restaurant's menu is evidence of the chef's lifelong obsession with international cuisines. [=the chef's lifelong interest in international cuisines]
Her concern about cleanliness approaches the level of obsession.
He's concerned about money to the point of obsession. [=he is very/too concerned about money]
2
a
: someone or something that a person thinks about constantly or frequently
Cleanliness is her obsession. = Cleanliness is an obsession with her.
Money has become an obsession for him.
b
: an activity that someone is very interested in or spends a lot of time doing
Stamp collecting has become an obsession with/for me. [=I have become obsessed with collecting stamps]
Cite this Entry
“Obsession.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/obsession. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
