Definition of OBSESSIONS (original) (raw)
1
: a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling
broadly : compelling motivation
an obsession with profits
has an obsession with gambling
2
: something that causes an obsession
Losing weight can be an obsession that results in the avoidance of certain foods.
Synonyms
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.
Being a theater kid, truly great technical singers are still an obsession for me, and Paula Cole is one of the greatest technical singers in history, and that’s not an overstatement. —
Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 30 Jan. 2025 Now, watch a ballerina's entire routine: Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! —Sarah Han, Allure, 29 Jan. 2025 Subway crime is an obsession of New Yorkers, for obvious reasons. —Keith Gessen, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2025 This obsession has become his top priority, guiding him in organizing his practice and tournament schedule for the upcoming year. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 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
Dictionary Entries Near obsession
Cite this Entry
“Obsession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsession. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 3 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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