VocabDictionary

obsessions

/əbˈsɛʃənz/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The state of being dominated by a persistent, disturbing, or preoccupying idea, feeling, or desire.

Example Sentences:
  • His obsessions with cleanliness often prevented him from leaving the house.
  • The artist turned her childhood obsessions into a series of hauntingly beautiful paintings.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “obsessions” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “obsessions”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'obsessio', meaning 'a besieging' or 'blockade', from the verb 'obsidere' (to sit opposite, besiege). Historically, it referred to the act of being beset by evil spirits, evolving in the 17th century to describe the psychological state of being preoccupied by a fixed idea.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'session' that never ends; an obsession is a thought that stays in your mind for session after session.

Frequently Asked Questions About “obsessions

1. What is the meaning of “obsessions” in English?

In English, obsessions (noun) is defined as: “The state of being dominated by a persistent, disturbing, or preoccupying idea, feeling, or desire.”.

2. How do you use “obsessions” in a sentence?

His obsessions with cleanliness often prevented him from leaving the house.

3. What are English synonyms of “obsessions”?

Common synonyms include:fixations,preoccupations,compulsions,manias

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “obsessions”?

Derived from the Latin 'obsessio', meaning 'a besieging' or 'blockade', from the verb 'obsidere' (to sit opposite, besiege). Historically, it referred to the act of being beset by evil spirits, evolving in the 17th century to describe the psychological state of being preoccupied by a fixed idea.