obsess
Obsess (verb) means to think about someone or something constantly, to the point where it takes over your mind. Example: “He started to obsess over every tiny detail of the presentation.”
How to use obsess
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo be unable to stop thinking about something.
"Obsess" is usually followed by "over" or "about", not "with" — save "obsessed with" for the adjective form.
Word forms
obsessed past tense, obsesses singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He started to _____ over every tiny detail of the presentation.
Etymology
From Latin obsessus, "besieged" — from ob- ("towards, against") plus sedere ("to sit"); the same root shows up in "session" and "possess".
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “obsess” mean?
The word “obsess” means to think about someone or something constantly, to the point where it takes over your mind. In plain terms, to be unable to stop thinking about something.
How do you pronounce “obsess”?
“Obsess” is pronounced uhb-SEHS (/əbˈsɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “obsess” in a sentence?
Here is “obsess” used in a sentence: “He started to obsess over every tiny detail of the presentation.”
What is another word for “obsess”?
Words with a similar meaning to “obsess” include fixate.
What part of speech is “obsess”?
“Obsess” is a verb.
Where does the word “obsess” come from?
The word “obsess” comes from Latin. From Latin obsessus, "besieged" — from ob- ("towards, against") plus sedere ("to sit"); the same root shows up in "session" and "possess".
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