Advertisement

View synonyms for

obsess

[uhb-ses]

verb (used with object)

  1. to dominate or preoccupy the thoughts, feelings, or desires of (a person); beset, trouble, or haunt persistently or abnormally.

    Suspicion obsessed him.

    Synonyms: , ,


verb (used without object)

  1. to think about something unceasingly or persistently; dwell obsessively upon something.

obsess

/ əˈɛ /

verb

  1. (tr; when passive, foll by with or by) to preoccupy completely; haunt

  2. (intr; usually foll by on or over) to worry neurotically or obsessively; brood

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • obsessingly adverb
  • obsessor noun
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of obsess1

1495–1505; < Latin obsessus, past participle of Dzŧ to occupy, frequent, besiege, equivalent to ob- ob- + -sid ( ŧ ) combining form of sedŧ to sit 1
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of obsess1

C16: from Latin obsessus besieged, past participle of Dzŧ, from ob- in front of + sedŧ to sit
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Before the killing, President Emmanuel Macron had angered the right by saying they were too obsessed with crime, and not sufficiently interested in other issues like the environment.

From

The man I speak to is definitely still Heston - obsessing over the perfect peppercorn ratio - but now he's calm, focused, and self-aware.

From

They have this Nectar Salve that I’m obsessed with.

From

The news media were predictably obsessed with this fight, labeling it a “divorce” and using other such dramatic language.

From

Rather than obsessing over fast growth, they embrace an ethos of exploration and creativity — along with a bit of humor.

From

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


Dzˈobsessed