obsess
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
-
(tr; when passive, foll by with or by) to preoccupy completely; haunt
-
(intr; usually foll by on or over) to worry neurotically or obsessively; brood
Other Word Forms
- obsessingly adverb
- obsessor noun
Etymology
Origin of obsess
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
Explanation
If you obsess about something, you constantly think about it, like kids who obsess about their grades so much, they get upset before every test. Obsess comes from the Latin word obsessus, which means to besiege, the way obsessive thoughts can besiege, or attack, your mind. You can obsess about something, like the tiny spot on your shoes that no one can even see, or be obsessed, or haunted or preoccupied by something. For example, the memory of a big, delicious dinner could obsess a hungry man.
Vocabulary lists containing obsess
"Sisters" by Raina Telgemeier
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Counting by 7s
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Vocabulary from Golden Globe Winners
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It’s the least visible part of my body, yet I’ve had good reason lately to obsess about my gluteus maximus, my derrière, my whole imperfect situation back there.
From Slate • Feb. 22, 2026
Some obsess over the chaotic storyline in which a young boy, Kevin McCallister—played by Macaulay Culkin—is abandoned home alone by his family as they jet off on a trip to Paris for the holiday season.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 29, 2025
But they obsess, with good reason, over one stat above all others: turnovers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025
"If you obsess so much on youth that will bite you on the bum, unfortunately."
From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025
I always obsess on what others think of me, even stupid mean girls like Maddy and Stephanie.
From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
