obsession - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
obsession Word Meanings
- a persistent or compulsive preoccupation with something
- an idea or thought that continuously occupies the mind
- a feeling or state of being obsessed
obsession Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
obsession Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əbˈsɛʃ.ən/
US
/əbˈsɛʃ.ən/
obsession Word Etymology
ob- = against + sess- = sit, so obsession means 'sitting against' or 'sitting heavily on the mind', depicting the weighty nature of obsessive thoughts. This word comes from Latin 'obsessio'→ Old French → English. Imagine a heavy anchor sitting on your mind, preventing you from moving on.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I press my eyes shut and set my feet, a small shift in the body signaling what comes next. I push the image away, but it keeps creeping back, moving center stage. I adjust my posture, breathe, and try to keep the world in view, while the thought refuses to quiet. I keep returning to the same idea, letting it hold a little more space each time, and I learn how that pull can stay with me through the day.
Real Context
Obsessions are defined as persistent or compulsive preoccupations with something. It describes an idea or thought that continuously occupies the mind and can feel heavy or intrusive. The term is often used outside clinical contexts to mean a strong fixation that is not necessarily a disorder. Etymology traces to Latin obsessio, through Old French, into English, and it evokes a mental weight pressing on attention. In everyday use, people speak of an obsession with a hobby, a person, or a goal, bearing in mind that the fixation can be intense but not always dysfunctional.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Use 'have an obsession with' or 'be obsessed with' for strong fixation. 2) Distinguish obsession from a positive passion or interest. 3) Obsession often implies intrusion or heaviness on the mind. 4) Common collocations: obsession with, be obsessed with, obsessive about. 5) In medical contexts, reserve for pathological concerns; not all fixations are OCD. 6) Pair with a gerund or noun: an obsession with cleaning, an obsession with a person, etc.
Common Misconceptions
- Obsession is the same as a strong hobby or interest.
- All obsessions are signs of mental illness.
- Obsession only refers to people, not objects or ideas.
- Being obsessed is always negative or unhealthy.
- Obsession and passion are interchangeable in everyday speech.
Thinking Differences
English tends to use fixed expressions like 'be obsessed with' or 'have an obsession with' to show a strong, sometimes intrusive fixation. Learners often confuse obsession with passion, moving from a neutral interest to a stronger, more persistent fixation.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: obsession with, be obsessed with, obsessive about.
- Distinguish obsession from passion by focusing on intrusion and persistence.
- Use synonyms (fixation, preoccupation, compulsion) to vary your speech.
- Be mindful of negative connotations; tailor usage to neutral, informal, or clinical contexts.
- Practice with real-life examples to avoid overgeneralizing.
- Check pronunciation: /əbˈsɛʃən/ and stress the second syllable.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'obsession'?
A.An intense focus on something
B.A feeling of contentment
C.A state of boredom
D.A strong dislike
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'obsession' correctly?
A.He showed complete indifference towards the project.
B.She enjoyed a casual interest in painting.
C.His obsession with cleanliness was well-known.
D.They had a strong aversion to traveling.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'obsession'?
A.Disinterest
B.Passion
C.Detest
D.Indifference
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'obsession'?
A.Indifference
B.Passion
C.Focus
D.Aversion
Step 5: Mastery
How can 'obsession' apply in real life?
A.Feeling neutral towards everything
B.Having no interest in any hobbies
C.Avoiding any form of commitment
D.Being obsessed with a specific TV show
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