obsession

ob-ses-sion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person's mind.

  2. 2.

    The state of being obsessed with someone or something.

  3. 3.

    A persistent, disturbing preoccupation with an unreasonable idea or feeling.

Forms

plural: obsessions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    national obsession — something that preoccupies an entire country
  • •
    healthy obsession — (ironic) a strong interest that is seen positively

Related words

Antonyms: apathy, disinterest, indifference
See also: fixation, obsessed, obsessive
Synonyms: compulsion, fixation, mania, preoccupation

Etymology

From Latin obsessio ("siege, blockade"), from obsidere ("to besiege"), from ob- ("before") + sedere ("to sit"). The psychological sense developed in the 20th century.