obsess
uhb-SEHS
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.”
verb
1
To think about someone or something constantly, to the point where it takes over your mind.
"He started to obsess over every tiny detail of the presentation."
"Try not to obsess about what other people think of you."
How to use obsess
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo be unable to stop thinking about something.
Common mistake
"Obsess" is usually followed by "over" or "about", not "with" — save "obsessed with" for the adjective form.
Common pairings
obsess over something
obsess about a problem
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- obsesses
- Past tense
- obsessed
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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