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: haunt, control, possess

verb (used without object)

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

obsess

/ əbˈsɛs /

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

Other Words From

• ob·sessing·ly adverb
• ob·sessor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of obsess¹

1495–1505; < Latin obsessus, past participle of obsidēre to occupy, frequent, besiege, equivalent to ob- ob- + -sid ( ēre ) combining form of sedēre to sit ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of obsess¹

C16: from Latin obsessus besieged, past participle of obsidēre, from ob- in front of + sedēre to sit

Example Sentences

Cricket's Indian Premier League is an example of a freshly created franchise tournament that changed the nature of the sport forever; but this took place in India, an enormous market already obsessed with cricket.

From BBC

Commentators who obsess over these numbers act shocked at just how forlorn the folks have become.

From Salon

And right now he appears to be obsessed with setting up the conditions for his revenge on the "Deep State" and the people he believes stabbed him in the back during his first term.

From Salon

To some he was a "dealer junkie" and narcissist obsessed with his own myth.

From BBC

It does not help that he only speaks in French at a club obsessed with its history and traditions.

From BBC

Related Words

• beset
• consume
• dominate
• engross
• grip
• harass
• haunt
• infatuate
• torment