Obsess: meaning, definitions and examples

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obsess

[ əbˈsɛs ]

^{Context #1}

mental state

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

Synonyms

fixate, haunt, plague, torment

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}

mental state

To haunt or excessively preoccupy the mind of.

Synonyms

consume, dominate, engross, preoccupy

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}

psychology

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

Synonyms

compulsion, fixation, mania, phobia

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "obsess" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obsessar

🇮🇳 पागल करना

🇩🇪 besessen machen

🇮🇩 mengobsesi

🇺🇦 одержимість

🇵🇱 obsesja

🇯🇵 取り憑く

🇫🇷 obséder

🇪🇸 obsesionar

🇹🇷 takıntı yapmak

🇰🇷 강박관념을 갖다

🇸🇦 هوس

🇨🇿 posednout

🇸🇰 posadnúť

🇨🇳 着迷

🇸🇮 obsedati

🇮🇸 áhuga

🇰🇿 әуес болу

🇬🇪 მომწონება

🇦🇿 obses etmək

🇲🇽 obsesionar

Word origin

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.