obsession
An obsession is a thought or feeling that stays in your mind and won't go away.
Explanation at your level:
An obsession is when you like something very much. You think about it all day. For example, you love a game and play it every hour. It is a very strong feeling.
When you have an obsession, you cannot stop thinking about something. It is like a favorite hobby that takes all your time. You might say, 'I have an obsession with chocolate.' It means you really, really love it.
An obsession is a strong interest that occupies your mind. It is common to say someone is 'obsessed' with a person or a project. It implies that the person spends a lot of time and energy on this one specific thing, sometimes ignoring other important tasks.
The term obsession refers to a persistent, often intrusive preoccupation. While it can describe a healthy passion, it often carries a nuance of being excessive or slightly unhealthy. In professional settings, we use it to describe someone who is overly focused on specific details or outcomes.
In advanced English, obsession is frequently used to describe psychological states or artistic fixations. It implies a loss of objectivity. When someone is driven by an obsession, their perspective becomes narrowed, often leading to a 'tunnel vision' effect. It is a powerful noun that suggests a lack of control over one's own cognitive focus.
Etymologically linked to the concept of 'siege,' obsession in a C2 context often carries a literary or philosophical weight. It describes the state where an individual is held captive by an idea, a memory, or an ambition. It is frequently used in literary analysis to describe characters whose internal struggles are defined by their inability to move past a singular, often destructive, fixation. The word suggests a deep-seated, almost involuntary attachment to a mental object.
30秒でわかる単語
- Obsession is a strong, persistent thought.
- It is a countable noun.
- Always use 'with' as a preposition.
- It can be positive or negative.
Think of an obsession as a mental loop. It is that feeling when a song, a person, or an idea gets stuck in your head like a broken record that you just cannot turn off.
While we often use the word casually to describe a new hobby, like a sudden obsession with baking bread, it carries a heavier weight in psychology. It represents a state where your focus is entirely consumed by one thing, often at the expense of your daily tasks or peace of mind.
The word obsession comes from the Latin word obsidere, which literally means 'to sit opposite' or 'to besiege.' Imagine an army surrounding a castle; that is how the word originally described spirits or demons 'besieging' a person's mind.
By the 16th century, it moved from purely supernatural contexts into the realm of human psychology. It reflects the idea that an intrusive thought is like an invader taking over the territory of your brain.
In daily conversation, we use obsession to show intensity. You might say, 'My obsession with 80s music is getting out of hand.' This is a casual, hyperbolic way to show enthusiasm.
However, in formal or medical writing, it is used carefully to describe clinical conditions. Always consider your audience; if you are talking to a doctor, be precise. If you are talking to a friend, feel free to exaggerate for effect.
1. To be consumed by: To have your thoughts entirely taken over. Example: She was consumed by her obsession with winning.
2. A one-track mind: Always thinking about one thing. Example: He has a one-track mind regarding his career.
3. Fixated on: Being unable to stop looking at or thinking about something. Example: He is fixated on the details.
4. To be hooked on: Often used for hobbies or habits. Example: I am hooked on this new game.
5. To have a bee in one's bonnet: To be obsessed with a specific idea. Example: She has a bee in her bonnet about recycling.
Obsession is a countable noun, so you can have 'an obsession' or 'many obsessions.' It is often followed by the preposition 'with' (e.g., 'an obsession with cars').
The IPA is /əbˈsɛʃən/. The stress is on the second syllable: ob-SESH-un. It rhymes with 'confession,' 'depression,' and 'possession.' Remember that double 's' in the middle creates that sharp 'sh' sound.
Fun Fact
It originally referred to evil spirits attacking someone.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'ob' sound, sharp 'sh' in the middle.
Very similar to UK, standard American rhythm.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing it with a 'z' sound at the start
- Missing the 'sh' sound
- Stressing the wrong syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Common word.
Easy to use.
Natural in conversation.
Clear pronunciation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
上級
Grammar to Know
Countable vs Uncountable
An obsession (countable)
Prepositional Phrases
Obsession with
Adjective vs Noun
Obsessed vs Obsession
Examples by Level
I have an obsession with cats.
I love cats very much.
Use 'with' after obsession.
He has an obsession with toys.
He thinks about toys all day.
Countable noun.
My obsession is music.
I love music more than anything.
Simple subject.
She has an obsession with red.
She likes the color red.
Noun usage.
Is this your obsession?
Do you love this thing?
Question form.
His obsession is soccer.
He loves to play soccer.
Possessive pronoun.
I have no obsession.
I don't think about one thing too much.
Negative sentence.
The obsession is gone.
I don't think about it now.
Definite article.
Her obsession with fashion is well known.
My brother has an obsession with space.
Do not make it an obsession.
His obsession with winning is bad.
She turned her obsession into a job.
He hides his obsession.
It is just a small obsession.
They share an obsession with travel.
His obsession with perfection slows him down.
She developed an obsession with vintage cars.
The movie is about a detective's obsession with a case.
I try to keep my obsession with social media in check.
His obsession with detail makes him a great architect.
It started as a hobby but became an obsession.
She fought her obsession with the past.
The obsession with health has changed his diet.
The author explores the dark side of human obsession.
His obsession with control ruined the partnership.
She had a lifelong obsession with learning languages.
The media's obsession with the scandal was relentless.
He struggled to overcome his obsession with money.
Her obsession with punctuality is legendary.
The team's obsession with victory led to poor sportsmanship.
It is a classic tale of love turning into obsession.
His creative output was fueled by an almost pathological obsession.
The political climate reflects a national obsession with security.
She was haunted by an obsession that she could not articulate.
The narrative centers on the protagonist's obsession with revenge.
His obsession with legacy blinded him to present realities.
There is a fine line between dedication and obsession.
The architect's obsession with symmetry defined his work.
Her obsession with the truth caused many conflicts.
The character's descent into madness was marked by a singular, consuming obsession.
His work is a testament to the transformative power of a scholarly obsession.
The historical record reveals an obsession with order in that era.
She possessed an intellectual obsession with the complexities of physics.
The novel serves as a critique of modern society's obsession with vanity.
His obsession with the ephemeral nature of time is evident in his art.
Such an obsession often borders on the metaphysical.
The tragedy lies in his obsession with a past that no longer exists.
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Idioms & Expressions
"have a one-track mind"
to think about only one thing
He has a one-track mind about his business.
casual"eat, sleep, and breathe something"
to be completely obsessed with something
She eats, sleeps, and breathes ballet.
idiomatic"be hooked on"
to be addicted or obsessed
I am hooked on this series.
casual"be fixated on"
to be unable to stop focusing on
Don't be so fixated on the past.
neutral"have a bee in one's bonnet"
to be obsessed with an idea
He has a bee in his bonnet about the new rules.
idiomaticEasily Confused
Both imply strong focus.
Addiction is usually physical/chemical.
Drug addiction vs. obsession with stamps.
Both imply strong interest.
Passion is usually positive.
Passion for art vs. obsession with art.
Very similar meaning.
Fixation is often more clinical.
Fixation on a detail vs. obsession with a person.
Both involve repeating.
Compulsion is an urge to act.
Compulsion to wash hands vs. obsession with cleanliness.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + have + an + obsession + with + object
He has an obsession with coding.
Subject + be + obsessed + with + object
She is obsessed with her work.
An + obsession + with + object + verb + subject
An obsession with games ruined his grades.
Subject + develop + an + obsession + with + object
I developed an obsession with cooking.
Subject + overcome + an + obsession
He overcame his obsession.
語族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
関連
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
よくある間違い
The correct preposition is 'with', not 'to'.
We use 'obsession with' to show the object of the obsession.
Obsession is a noun, not an adjective.
Use the adjective 'obsessed' after 'is'.
While 'about' is sometimes used, 'with' is standard.
Tips
Use 'with'
Always pair obsession with 'with'.
Noun check
Remember it is a noun, not an adjective.
Ancient roots
It meant 'siege' in Latin.
Sentence building
Link it to your hobbies.
Don't say 'to'
Avoid 'obsession to'.
Stress the middle
ob-SESH-un.
Pop culture
Used for fandoms.
Mnemonic
OB-SESHion.
Write it down
Use it in a journal.
Sh sound
Focus on the 'sh' sound.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
OB-SESH: I am OB-sessed with this SESHion (session) of study.
Visual Association
A person looking at a magnifying glass focused on one tiny dot.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write a sentence about something you are obsessed with.
語源
Latin
Original meaning: to besiege
文化的な背景
Can be sensitive when discussing mental health.
Used often in pop culture to describe fandoms.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Hobbies
- my latest obsession
- a healthy obsession
- obsessed with learning
Psychology
- obsessive thoughts
- clinical obsession
- compulsive behavior
Work
- obsession with perfection
- obsessed with results
- detail-oriented obsession
Relationships
- an unhealthy obsession
- obsessed with someone
- letting go of an obsession
Conversation Starters
"What is something you have an obsession with?"
"Do you think having an obsession can be a good thing?"
"What is the difference between a hobby and an obsession?"
"Have you ever been obsessed with a book or movie?"
"How do you stop an obsession?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you were obsessed with something.
Describe the difference between passion and obsession.
Is it possible to have a 'healthy' obsession?
What is an obsession you have overcome?
よくある質問
8 問No, it can be a strong passion.
Use 'have an obsession with'.
No, 'obsess' is the verb.
Obsessive.
Yes, it is countable.
It is used in all registers.
Confession, depression.
Yes, they share similar themes.
自分をテスト
I have an ___ with music.
Obsession is the correct noun.
Which is correct?
You 'have' an obsession.
An obsession is always a good thing.
It can be negative or excessive.
Word
意味
They are synonyms.
Standard subject-verb-object structure.
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Summary
An obsession is a mental focus that is so strong it becomes hard to think about anything else.
- Obsession is a strong, persistent thought.
- It is a countable noun.
- Always use 'with' as a preposition.
- It can be positive or negative.
Use 'with'
Always pair obsession with 'with'.
Noun check
Remember it is a noun, not an adjective.
Ancient roots
It meant 'siege' in Latin.
Sentence building
Link it to your hobbies.
例文
Il avait une obsession pour les vieilles voitures.
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abandon
B1The action or fact of abandoning someone or something; abandonment (can be emotional).
abasourdi
B1Stunned, dumbfounded, greatly astonished or shocked.
abattement
A2A state of extreme dejection; despondency.
abattu
A2In low spirits; disheartened; dejected.
abominable
B1Causing moral revulsion; detestable.
Accablant
B1Overwhelming or oppressive; crushing, burdensome.
accablé
A2Overwhelmed with a burden or strong emotion.
accablement
B1Feeling of being overwhelmed by sadness, grief, or fatigue; dejection, overwhelm.
accabler
B1To overwhelm (someone) with a burden or strong emotion.
Accabler de reproches
B1To overwhelm with reproaches; to heavily criticize.
