obsession

noun

ob·ses·sion äb-ˈse-shən

əb-

Synonyms of obsession next

: a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling

broadly : compelling motivation

an obsession with profits

has an obsession with gambling

: 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

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 Sugar’s obsession stands in stark contrast with the dull, bland mystery presented to the audience. —

Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024 Allen’s movies have often displayed an obsession with the nature of evil, a fascination with those who are able to do evil and go on living normally—whose powers of compartmentalization, rationalization, or simple self-righteousness are stronger than their scruples. —

Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2024 But the film’s obsession with the character makes both Godzilla and Mechagodzilla minor players in their own movie, a disappointment that’s only enhanced by an underwhelming final battle. —

Katie Rife, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2024 Netanyahu’s obsession with his own destiny as Israel’s protector has caused his country grievous damage. —

Anshel Pfeffer, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2024 Boeing’s obsession with their short-term bottom line shouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone: The merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas taught a clear lesson. —

Gautam Mukunda, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024 According to experts, the public's obsession with Princess Kate's health may trigger Prince William with painful memories of his mother, Princess Diana. —

Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2024 My field's obsession with body mass index means that many of my colleagues zone in on weight loss as a cure for every ailment. —

Mara Gordon, NPR, 23 Mar. 2024 But Greenfield’s obsession with quality and attention to detail has remained: The clothes are still manufactured by hand in Brooklyn. —

Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 23 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Obsession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsession. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Copy Citation

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

Last Updated: 8 Apr 2024 - Updated example sentences

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

inalienable

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

obsession

noun

Synonyms

Examples of obsession in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near obsession

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition