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
In terms of design, the waterfall look of the nightstands fits into today’s obsession with midcentury modern, and the curved effect makes the room feel that much more soft and relaxed.
—
Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
Japanese expert organizer and author Marie Kondo knew and preached this in a way that defined the 2010s and its obsession with efficiency.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Similarly, cortisol and serotonin levels are lowered — which can respectively result in lower stress and greater levels of obsession.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
The novel skewers our culture’s obsession with fame and considers the real flawed people behind their glittery facades.
—Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for obsession
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Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
Japanese expert organizer and author Marie Kondo knew and preached this in a way that defined the 2010s and its obsession with efficiency.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Similarly, cortisol and serotonin levels are lowered — which can respectively result in lower stress and greater levels of obsession.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
The novel skewers our culture’s obsession with fame and considers the real flawed people behind their glittery facades.
—Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 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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