Obsession — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /äb-ˈse-shən/ ob·ses·sion

Meaning & Definition of Obsession

Obsession (noun)

  1. a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling; broadly, compelling motivation
  2. something that causes an obsession

Obsession (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned

    "her latest obsession is a movie star who she thinks is very handsome"

    similar: fetish, fixation, idée fixe, mania, preoccupation, prepossession
    related: monomania, complex, hang-up, problem, trip, appetite, cacoëthes, compulsion, craving, desire, drive, enthusiasm, fascination, hankering, hunger, infatuation, itch, longing, lust, passion, pining, thirst, urge, yearning, yen, idiosyncrasy, quirk, bent, disposition, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency
    near: apathy, disinterestedness, disregard, indifference, insouciance, nonchalance, unconcern, unconcernedness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Obsession

The most common words with a similar meaning to Obsession:

fetish, fixation, idée fixe, mania, preoccupation, prepossession

Related Words for Obsession

monomania, complex, hang-up, problem, trip, appetite, cacoëthes, compulsion, craving, desire, drive, enthusiasm, fascination, hankering, hunger, infatuation, itch, longing, lust, passion, pining, thirst, urge, yearning, yen, idiosyncrasy, quirk, bent, disposition, inclination

Near Antonyms of Obsession

apathy, disinterestedness, disregard, indifference, insouciance, nonchalance, unconcern, unconcernedness

Word Forms of Obsession

Derived words: obsessional (adjective), obsessionally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Obsession

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 obsess

First known use: 1680

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Obsession

Frequently Asked Questions about Obsession

What does "Obsession" mean?

"Obsession" means a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling; broadly, compelling motivation. As a noun, it is defined as: a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling; broadly, compelling motivation.

What is another word for "Obsession"?

Other words for "Obsession" include fetish, fixation, idée fixe, mania, preoccupation and prepossession. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Obsession" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Obsession"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Obsession". Common alternatives include fetish, fixation, idée fixe, mania, preoccupation and prepossession.

How do you use "Obsession" in a sentence?

Examples of "Obsession" in a sentence: "her latest obsession is a movie star who she thinks is very handsome".

Is "Obsession" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Obsession" is a noun.

Is "Obsession" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Obsession" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Obsession"?

"Obsession" is pronounced /äb-ˈse-shən/ and divided into syllables as ob·ses·sion.

What is the origin of the word "Obsession"?

"Obsession" comes from 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 obsess. First known use: 1680.