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⇱ OBSESSION Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

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1
: a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling
broadly : compelling motivation
an obsession with profits
has an obsession with gambling
He's concerned about cleanliness to the point of obsession.
2
: something that causes an obsession
Losing weight can be an obsession that results in the avoidance of certain foods.
obsessionally adverb

Synonyms of obsession

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.
As Jason’s obsession with the Box deepens, Daniela’s (Connelly) growing paranoia pushes her to the brink, threatening to tear their fragile stability apart. —👁 Image
Denise Petski, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026 His obsession was figuring out how to make life in a market economy less chaotic. —👁 Image
Alex Mayyasi, NPR, 7 Apr. 2026 Following the death of his son in a senseless crime, a father’s obsession with finding the killer leads him into a painful search for truth, redemption, and the meaning of forgiveness. —👁 Image
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026 McKenzie’s obsession with crypto didn’t start with these ideals, of course. —👁 Image
Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026 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

Rhymes for obsession

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obsession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsession. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

obsession

noun
: a disturbing concern with an idea or feeling that cannot be put out of mind even when it is seen to be unreasonable
also : such a thought or feeling

Medical Definition

: a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling
also : something that causes such preoccupation compare compulsion, phobia

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