obsession
Obsession (noun) means a single idea, activity, or interest that dominates someone's thoughts far more than is normal or healthy. Example: “His obsession with tidiness meant every shelf had to be perfectly straight.”
How to Use Obsession
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fixation on one thing that takes over someone's mind.
Word Forms
obsessions plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ with tidiness meant every shelf had to be perfectly straight.
Etymology
From Latin obsessio, "a besieging", from the same root as "obsess".
Related Words
Rhymes for obsession
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “obsession” mean?
The word “obsession” means a single idea, activity, or interest that dominates someone's thoughts far more than is normal or healthy. In plain terms, a fixation on one thing that takes over someone's mind.
How do you pronounce “obsession”?
“Obsession” is pronounced uhb-SEH-shuhn (/əbˈsɛʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “obsession” in a sentence?
Here is “obsession” used in a sentence: “His obsession with tidiness meant every shelf had to be perfectly straight.”
What part of speech is “obsession”?
“Obsession” is a noun.
Where does the word “obsession” come from?
The word “obsession” comes from Latin. From Latin obsessio, "a besieging", from the same root as "obsess".
Is “obsession” a common word?
“Obsession” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between an obsession and a passion?
A passion is an intense enthusiasm you generally enjoy and can keep in balance, while an obsession is an idea or interest that dominates your thoughts far more than is normal or healthy. The key difference is control: a passion enriches your life, whereas an obsession tends to crowd out other thoughts and activities.
What is the difference between an obsession and a compulsion?
An obsession is a persistent thought, idea, or preoccupation that fills the mind, while a compulsion is a repeated action a person feels driven to perform. In short, an obsession is mental and a compulsion is behavioural, though the two often occur together.
Do you say 'obsession with' or 'obsession about'?
The standard preposition is 'with,' as in 'an obsession with fitness' or 'her obsession with the case.' 'Obsession about' is occasionally heard but is far less common and can sound awkward in careful writing.
Is 'obsession' a positive or negative word?
Obsession usually carries an unhealthy or negative tone, because it describes thoughts that dominate the mind more than is normal or healthy. In casual speech, however, people often use it lightly and positively, as in 'this song is my new obsession.'
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