obsession
uhb-SEH-shuhn
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.”
noun
1
A single idea, activity, or interest that dominates someone's thoughts far more than is normal or healthy.
"His obsession with tidiness meant every shelf had to be perfectly straight."
"Running became something of an obsession for her after the marathon."
"Her obsession with collecting stamps began to take over every free hour of her week."
How to use obsession
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fixation on one thing that takes over someone's mind.
Common pairings
an obsession with
a lifelong obsession
become an obsession
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like obsession.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- obsessions
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
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all 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.'
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include obsession:
