Obsess

To obsess means to preoccupy or fill the mind of someone continually, intrusively, and to a troubling extent. This often involves persistent thoughts, ideas, or images that are difficult to dismiss or control, and that can significantly impact a person's daily life, causing anxiety, distress, or impairment. The object of obsession can vary greatly, from a specific person or object to a particular idea, fear, or routine. The level of intensity and the impact on behavior differentiate healthy interest from unhealthy obsession. Obsessive thoughts can range from mild fixations to more severe conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The inability to stop thinking about something, even when it's unwanted or counterproductive, is a key characteristic of obsession.

Obsess meaning with examples

• He began to obsess over his ex-girlfriend after their breakup, constantly checking her social media and replaying their relationship in his mind. This preoccupation significantly impacted his ability to focus on his work and socialize, as he was unable to stop thinking about her, leading to a deep sadness and feelings of despair.
• Her fear of germs grew into an obsession, forcing her to wash her hands dozens of times a day and avoid public places. This anxiety consumed her free time and had a negative effect on her mental state. No matter how hard she tried, she could not shake off the obsessive thoughts about contracting a disease or sickness.
• The aspiring athlete started to obsess about winning the competition. Every aspect of his life, from his diet to his training schedule, was entirely consumed by his desire for victory. However, it also took over his life. The obsession also led to excessive pressure to improve, which he also did in turn.
• Following the accident, she became obsessed with remembering the details of that fateful day, compulsively trying to reconstruct the events. The memories kept coming back, and the obsession interfered with the natural process of healing, as she could not let the events rest in the past, which created a vicious cycle.
• The online game quickly became an obsession for him, and he dedicated every waking moment to playing, neglecting his studies and social life. He spent countless hours each day focusing on his score, strategies, and other gamers. It slowly became an all consuming thing.