Obsess Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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obsess

[əbˈsɛs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

mental state

To preoccupy or fill the mind of (someone) continually, intrusively, and to a troubling extent.

Synonyms

fixate, haunt, plague, torment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obsess	Used to describe when someone cannot stop thinking about something in a way that affects their daily life. Often neutral but can have a slightly negative connotation if it interferes with normal activities. She was so obsessed with her new project that she worked on it day and night. He obsesses over his health and spends hours researching diets.
fixate	Refers to an intense focus on a single thing, often to the exclusion of other important matters. Usually has a negative connotation, implying an unhealthy or unbalanced preoccupation. He tends to fixate on minor details instead of seeing the bigger picture. She fixated on her ex-boyfriend's new relationship and couldn't move on.
haunt	Often used to describe something troubling or disturbing that repeatedly comes to mind, like an unsettling memory or guilt. Generally carries a negative and sometimes eerie connotation. The memory of the accident still haunts him. Her past mistakes continue to haunt her.
plague	Used to convey being continually troubled or tormented by something, often severe and persistent issues or problems. The connotation is strongly negative. He has been plagued by financial problems for years. Persistent headaches plague her daily.
torment	Describes severe mental or physical suffering caused by an ongoing problem or situation. Strongly negative, it implies intense pain and distress. He was tormented by thoughts of failure. The loud noise from the construction site torments the residents.

Examples of usage

He was obsessed with finding the truth.
She was obsessed with cleanliness.
I can't stop obsessing over what happened.
Stop obsessing about your mistakes.
Her mind was constantly obsessing over the future.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

mental state

To haunt or excessively preoccupy the mind of.

Synonyms

consume, dominate, engross, preoccupy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obsess	Use this when someone cannot stop thinking about something, often in an unhealthy or negative way. She began to obsess over her appearance after reading the fashion magazine. He couldn't stop obsessing about the upcoming exam.
preoccupy	Use this when someone's mind is focused on something more than anything else, not necessarily in a negative way. His work preoccupied him so much that he forgot to call his friend. She was preoccupied with thoughts of her upcoming vacation.
consume	Use this to describe a situation where someone's thoughts or time are completely taken up by something, often implying that it takes over their life. Work seems to consume all of his time these days. She was consumed by the desire to win the competition.
dominate	Use this when talking about something exerting control or influence over someone or something else. His fear started to dominate his actions. The conversation was dominated by talk of the upcoming election.
engross	Use this to describe when someone is deeply interested or involved in something, in a positive or neutral way. She was engrossed in reading her new book. He found himself completely engrossed in the movie.

Examples of usage

The idea of failure obsessed him.
The memory of that day obsessed her thoughts.
He was obsessed with the idea of revenge.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

psychology

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

Synonyms

compulsion, fixation, mania, phobia.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obsess	Used when someone can't stop thinking about something or someone, often to an unhealthy degree. She tends to obsess over her work, staying late every night He obsesses about his appearance, spending hours in front of the mirror
fixation	Refers to an intense focus on a particular subject or object, often in a way that is unreasonable or excessive. His fixation on perfecting his garden takes up all his free time She has a fixation with collecting vintage dolls
compulsion	Describes a strong, often uncontrollable urge to perform a specific action, typically used in the context of psychological disorders. He has a compulsion to wash his hands every few minutes Her compulsion to check the door locks makes her late often
mania	Describes an extreme enthusiasm or obsession, typically bordering on the irrational, and is often associated with periods of high energy and activity. His mania for cycling has led him to participate in several international races She has a mania for organizing parties, often at the expense of her own rest
phobia	Indicates an extreme, irrational fear of a specific object or situation, usually leading to avoidance behavior. Her phobia of spiders makes it impossible for her to enter basements He has a phobia of flying, so he always travels by train

Examples of usage

She couldn't get rid of the obsession with cleanliness.
His obsession with success was overwhelming.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Obsessive thoughts can sometimes lead to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a mental health condition where individuals perform repeated actions to ease anxiety.
Research indicates that obsession can enhance creativity in some cases by fostering an intense focus on ideas or projects.
The results of obsession can be both positive and negative; it can drive achievements or lead to mental fatigue.

Pop Culture

Many songs and movies explore themes of obsession, illustrating both the beauty and the darkness involved in fixating on an object of desire.
Popular figures often admit to being obsessed with their crafts, such as actors or authors, indicating the often fine line between passion and obsession.
Social media culture has been criticized for promoting obsessive behaviors through constant comparison and validation.

Famous Cases

One of the most publicized obsessions in history is that of artist Vincent van Gogh, whose intense dedication to painting led to his prolific output despite personal struggle.
Literature showcases obsession in characters like Heathcliff from 'Wuthering Heights,' representing how deep connections can lead to destructive behaviors.
Real-life obsessions can be seen in extreme sports where athletes push their limits, showing the obsession with achieving perfection.

Cultural Perspectives

In various cultures, obsession is viewed differently; in some, it’s deemed a sign of passion, while in others, it might be viewed negatively as a loss of rational thinking.
Eastern philosophies often emphasize balance, cautioning against obsession as it can lead to suffering, highlighting mindfulness as an antidote.
In Western cultures, obsession is sometimes romanticized, as seen in literature and films, often blurring the line between dedication and harmful fixation.

Origin of 'obsess'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the Latin word 'obsessus,' meaning 'to besiege' or 'to occupy,' showing how thoughts can take over the mind.
It emerged in English usage during the early 17th century, expanding from its roots in obsessional behavior discussed in religious contexts.
Originally, the term was often associated with demonic possession or an overwhelming desire.

The word 'obsess' originated from the Latin word 'obsidere', which means 'to besiege'. It first appeared in English in the early 16th century. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to the act of preoccupying the mind in a troubling or excessive way. The concept of obsession has been studied in psychology and psychiatry, highlighting its impact on mental health and behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,614 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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