Dictionary

obsess

verb ob·sess \əb-ˈses, äb-\

: to be the only person or thing that someone thinks or talks about

: to think and talk about someone or something too much

Full Definition of OBSESS

transitive verb
:  to haunt or excessively preoccupy the mind of <was obsessed with the idea>
intransitive verb
:  to engage in obsessive thinking :  become obsessed with an idea
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of OBSESS

Latin obsessus, past participle of obsidēre to frequent, besiege, from ob- against + sedēre to sit — more at ob-, sit
First Known Use: 1531
OBSESS Defined for Kids

obsess

verb ob·sess \əb-ˈses\
ob·sessedob·sess·ing

Definition of OBSESS for Kids

:  to occupy the thoughts of completely or abnormally <A new scheme obsesses him.>
Medical Dictionary

obsess

transitive verb ob·sess \əb-ˈses, äb-\

Medical Definition of OBSESS

:  to preoccupy intensely or abnormally <was obsessed with success>
intransitive verb
:  to engage in obsessive thinking <solve problems rather than obsess about them—Carol Tavris>

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: obsessedlyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: observerAll Words Near: obsess
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears