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 increase in options trading among novice investors and the obsession with high-risk assets reflect historical events like the dot-com bubble and the 2021 meme stock frenzy, when stocks like GameStop shot wildly. Jim Osman, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Francesca Villa Italian jewelry designer Francesca Villa’s obsession with vintage collection and curation has led to her unique and often whimsical jewelry. Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024 Some have managed to cash in on their obsessions, building up lucrative followings of toy fans online. Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 Britney Spears isn’t afraid to share her obsessions. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 16 Oct. 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.

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

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 2 Nov. 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

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