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

He's concerned about cleanliness to the point of obsession.

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 of obsession

• 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

The only thing that is new is the obsession with anti-aging and heightened beauty standards. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025

Evans, a rising writer-director known for her provocative storytelling and fearless exploration of female psychology, continues her fascination with obsession and self-reinvention in what is poised to be her most ambitious work yet. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2025

The penultimate episode flashes back six years, showing how losing her newborn at 16 drove Carrie to mental instability and fueled her obsession with Milo, ultimately leading to his kidnapping. —Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025

The first part is easy to defend, with the Spurs, led by the Tim Duncan/Tony Parker/Manu Ginobili trio but infused with Kawhi Leonard’s killer defense, Boris Diaw’s passing, Danny Green’s shooting and an overall obsession with quick decision-making, virtually perfecting basketball. —The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 11 Nov. 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

Phrases Containing obsession

• point of obsession

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