Obsessions Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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obsessions
[əbˈsɛʃənz ]
Definitions
mental health
Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress or anxiety. They are a key feature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and are often irrational or unrealistic.
Synonyms
compulsion, fixation, preoccupation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| obsessions |
Use 'obsessions' when talking about something that dominates a person's thoughts and feelings to an unhealthy degree.
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| fixation |
Use 'fixation' when describing an intense focus on something or someone, often to an excessive or unhealthy degree.
|
| compulsion |
Use 'compulsion' when referring to a strong, often irresistible urge to perform an action, typically one that is unnecessary or irrational.
|
| preoccupation |
Use 'preoccupation' when talking about something that occupies someone's thoughts to the point where they cannot pay attention to other things.
|
Examples of usage
- Her obsessions with germs led her to wash her hands dozens of times a day.
- He had obsessions about his loved ones getting hurt if he didn't perform certain rituals.
general
Obsessions can also refer to a strong interest or enthusiasm for something, often to an extreme or unhealthy degree.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| obsessions |
Used to describe a state of being completely fixated on something, often to an unhealthy degree.
|
| passion |
Refers to a strong, barely controllable emotion or enthusiasm for something or someone, usually positive.
|
| mania |
Best used to describe an extreme enthusiasm or preoccupation with something, often used in a negative context.
|
| infatuation |
Typically used to describe an intense but short-lived admiration for someone or something, often seen as irrational or overly intense.
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Examples of usage
- His obsession with vintage cars led him to spend all his savings on restoring one.
- She had an obsession with becoming a famous actress from a young age.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Obsessive thoughts can be a part of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where people feel they must perform certain actions to ease their anxiety.
- A famous psychologist, Sigmund Freud, believed that some obsessions could stem from unresolved inner conflicts or desires.
Cultural Impact
- In literature, characters often display obsessive traits, leading to intense story arcs, such as in stories like 'Moby Dick' with Captain Ahab's fixation on the whale.
- In modern films, obsessions are often portrayed through characters who become consumed by their passion, highlighting both the positive and negative sides of these feelings.
Social Media
- The rise of social media has led many to develop obsessions with likes, followers, and online personas, showcasing the interplay between society and personal identity.
- Some influencers have even built entire careers based on obsessive dedication to niche interests, creating communities around shared passions.
Neuroscience
- Studies show that certain brain areas are more active in people who experience obsessive thoughts, particularly areas associated with reward processing and emotional regulation.
- Neuroscientists believe that understanding the neural pathways involved in obsessions could lead to better treatments for anxiety disorders.
Everyday Life
- Many people can develop casual obsessions, like a favorite song or hobby, which, while usually harmless, can show the powerful influence of focus and passion.
- Identifying and managing healthy obsessions can enrich an individual's life, but overly intense obsessions can lead to imbalance and distress.
Origin of 'obsessions'
The word 'obsessions' comes from the Latin word 'obsidere', which means 'to besiege'. It was first used in English in the 16th century to describe the act of besieging or besiegement. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the psychological sense of intrusive thoughts or compulsions. In modern usage, 'obsessions' can refer to both mental health symptoms and extreme interests.