Obsessed
adjective/əbˈsɛst/When you are obsessed, you think about one thing, person, or activity constantly and excessively. This strong focus often takes up a lot of your time and energy, sometimes to an unhealthy degree, making it hard to concentrate on other things. It's an intense, consuming preoccupation.
Have you ever felt like you couldn't stop thinking about something? That's what it means to be 'obsessed'! It's much stronger than just being interested or passionate. When you're obsessed, that one thing dominates your thoughts and often your actions, almost like it has taken over your mind.
The main confusion is often between being 'obsessed' and being 'passionate'. While passion is usually a strong, positive feeling that motivates you, obsession can sometimes be unhealthy or extreme, making you neglect other important parts of your life. Think of passion as a healthy fire, and obsession as a fire that's a little out of control.
Is “obsessed” positive or negative?
“Obsessed” is a neutral word. The connotation of 'obsessed' can be positive or negative depending on the context. It's positive when someone is intensely dedicated to achieving a goal or mastering a skill. However, it's often negative when the focus becomes unhealthy, causes distress, or makes someone neglect other important aspects of their life.
Obsessed in a sentence
- “My little brother is completely obsessed with video games; he plays them all day.
- “She became obsessed with learning French and practiced for hours every day.
- “He's been obsessed with finding a solution to the problem for weeks, barely sleeping.
- “Don't get too obsessed with perfection; sometimes good enough is fine.
- “The artist was obsessed with capturing the light just right in her painting.
- “Some fans become obsessed with celebrities, following their every move.
Common phrases with “obsessed”
Words similar to “obsessed” (and how they differ)
To be deeply engrossed in thought or concern about something, often to the exclusion of other things, but usually less intense or compulsive than being obsessed.
“She seemed preoccupied with her upcoming exam and didn't notice us.”
Completely absorbed or involved in something, often in a positive way, like a book or a task, suggesting deep focus rather than an unhealthy fixation.
“He was so engrossed in his novel that he didn't hear the doorbell.”
Showing excessive or single-minded zeal, often for a religious or political cause, or a sport. It implies extreme enthusiasm, sometimes to an unreasonable degree, and is often stronger and more public than 'obsessed'.
“The team has a fanatical following who travel to every game.”
Resulting from or relating to an irresistible urge, especially one that is against one's conscious wishes. It often refers to actions rather than just thoughts, and usually has a negative connotation.
“He has a compulsive need to check if the door is locked multiple times.”
To be filled with an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something, often implying a lack of good judgment. It is usually used in the context of romantic feelings.
“She was completely infatuated with the new pop star.”
Opposites of “obsessed”
Word family
This is the action of thinking about something constantly or having something constantly on your mind. 'The idea of winning began to obsess him.'
This is the state of being obsessed, or the specific thing, idea, or person that someone is obsessed with. 'His obsession with cleanliness was extreme.'
This describes someone or something characterized by obsession. It can also be a noun for a person who is obsessive. 'He has an obsessive personality.'
Where the word comes from
The word 'obsessed' comes from the Latin word 'obsidere,' which meant 'to besiege' or 'to occupy,' suggesting that something has taken over your mind like an army besieging a city.
Frequently asked
Is 'obsessed' positive or negative?
'Obsessed' can be either positive or negative. It's positive when it describes strong dedication to a goal or hobby, like being 'obsessed with learning.' It's negative when it's an unhealthy or consuming preoccupation that causes distress or neglects other life areas.
How do you use 'obsessed' in a sentence?
You typically use 'obsessed' with the preposition 'with' or 'about.' For example: 'She's obsessed with her new puppy' or 'He's obsessed about getting perfect grades.'
What's the difference between 'obsessed' and 'interested'?
'Interested' means you have a curiosity or attention towards something. 'Obsessed' is a much stronger feeling, implying a constant, excessive, and sometimes unhealthy preoccupation that dominates your thoughts and actions.
Can you be obsessed with a person?
Yes, you can be obsessed with a person. This usually means you think about them constantly, often to an unhealthy degree, which can be seen as negative or even problematic.
Is 'obsessed' a strong word?
Yes, 'obsessed' is a strong word. It implies a very intense and often consuming focus, much more powerful than words like 'interested' or 'fond of.'
What are some common phrases with 'obsessed'?
Common phrases include 'obsessed with,' 'become obsessed,' 'get obsessed,' 'completely obsessed,' and 'obsessed fan.' For example, 'I'm completely obsessed with this new song!'