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
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
While young people are lightyears ahead in some aspects, in others, due to this collective obsession with social media, the kids are not all right.
—
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 27 Sep. 2024
Refreshingly, her youth shines through—as well as her obsession with cars, a theme throughout the new album, eMotion Sick.
—Bill Kopp, SPIN, 26 Sep. 2024
My obsession extends to all Tuscan wines, and especially those referred to as Super Tuscans—wines that defy the DOCG rulebook, using grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah grown in Tuscany.
—Jenn Rice, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024
The truth of the matter is nebulous, but as the meeting progresses, a blend of madness, desire and obsession arises, and the session becomes less and less about the children and more about the adults.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obsession 
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 27 Sep. 2024
Refreshingly, her youth shines through—as well as her obsession with cars, a theme throughout the new album, eMotion Sick.
—Bill Kopp, SPIN, 26 Sep. 2024
My obsession extends to all Tuscan wines, and especially those referred to as Super Tuscans—wines that defy the DOCG rulebook, using grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah grown in Tuscany.
—Jenn Rice, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024
The truth of the matter is nebulous, but as the meeting progresses, a blend of madness, desire and obsession arises, and the session becomes less and less about the children and more about the adults.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for obsession
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obsession.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Obsession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsession. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
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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