obsession
UK: əbˈseʃ(ə)n | US: əbˈseʃ(ə)n
n. a persistent, intrusive thought or desire that dominates the mind
n. an unhealthy fixation or preoccupation with someone or something
n. (archaic) the state of being besieged or haunted
obsession = ob<against> + sess<sit> + ion<noun suffix>
- ob (Latin origin, meaning "against" or "in the way")
- sess (from Latin sessus, past participle of sedere, meaning "to sit")
- ion (noun-forming suffix indicating an action or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word "obsession" originates from Latin obsessio, meaning "a siege" or "blockade." The root ob- (against) + sedere (to sit) metaphorically described an enemy "sitting against" a fortress, trapping it. Over time, the term evolved to describe mental "sieges"—persistent thoughts that dominate the mind like an occupying force. By the 17th century, it acquired its modern psychological sense of an uncontrollable fixation.
His obsession with perfection made it hard to complete projects.
She developed an unhealthy obsession with social media validation.
The novel explores the protagonist’s obsession with lost love.
In medieval times, obsession was often attributed to demonic possession.
His obsession with cleanliness borders on compulsion.