obsession

noun

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

Synonyms of obsession

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
They are filled with secrets, obsessions, and murder mysteries. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 30 June 2026 These obsessions lead you to do repetitive behaviors, also called compulsions. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 Charlotte’s food scene saw a few big shifts this week, from fan-favorites and longtime spots closing their doors to hospital broth becoming an unlikely obsession. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026 But the apology letter to Lestat is more of an acknowledgment that the obsession Armand had for him was unhealthy and was never going to work. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for obsession

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

Rhymes for obsession

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Browse Nearby Words

obsessingly
obsession
obsessional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obsession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsession. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
-ˈsesh-nəl, -ən-ᵊl How to pronounce obsession (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on obsession

Nglish: Translation of obsession for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about obsession

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