obsession
noun
ob·ses·sion
äb-ˈse-shən 
əb-
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.
obsessionally
adverb
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
Every weakness is a strength The NHL’s recent obsession with state tax rates is shortsighted.
—
Murat Ates, New York Times, 31 May 2025
So long as Sean McVay’s football obsession doesn’t burn him out, the Rams can outsmart most NFL teams.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
Both leaders shared an obsession with dramatic, visible cuts.
—Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Amid an obsession with low-fat diets in the 1980s, avocados were spurned by many — even though their fats are mostly unsaturated.
—Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obsession
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Murat Ates, New York Times, 31 May 2025
So long as Sean McVay’s football obsession doesn’t burn him out, the Rams can outsmart most NFL teams.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
Both leaders shared an obsession with dramatic, visible cuts.
—Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Amid an obsession with low-fat diets in the 1980s, avocados were spurned by many — even though their fats are mostly unsaturated.
—Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for obsession
Cite this Entry
“Obsession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsession. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
obsession
noun
ob·ses·sion
äb-ˈsesh-ən
əb-
: 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
obsession
noun
ob·ses·sion
äb-ˈsesh-ən, əb-
: a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling
also
: something that causes such preoccupation compare compulsion, phobia
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