Obsesses

To obsess means to preoccupy or dominate the thoughts, feelings, or actions of someone, often to an excessive or unhealthy degree. It implies a persistent and consuming focus on a particular idea, person, object, or activity, leading to a disruption of normal functioning and a sense of being controlled by the object of obsession. This preoccupation can manifest as intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, or intense emotions. The intensity and duration vary depending on the individual and the specific object of the obsession, but the common element is a lack of control and a significant impact on the person's well-being. It can be a primary element of certain psychological conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Obsesses meaning with examples

• Her fear of germs began to **obsess** her, leading to constant handwashing and avoidance of public places. Her daily routine was significantly impacted by her relentless battle with the intrusive thoughts. It became apparent that her anxiety was driving her to constantly feel unsafe and to always be on guard, limiting her choices.
• The artist became **obsessed** with capturing the perfect light in his paintings, spending hours each day studying and practicing his craft. He found that the world became less and less appealing outside of the pursuit of his skill, and he began to neglect his other important obligations to find success.
• He became **obsessed** with winning the lottery, buying multiple tickets every week and constantly calculating probabilities. He dreamed about winning and focused on how much his life would change. This consumed him and he was unable to focus on any other area of his life.
• The detective's investigation began to **obsess** him, blurring the lines between his personal life and his work. He became convinced he would find the answers, so he allowed the case to define him. This passion blinded him to the truth.
• She allowed the constant online comparisons with influencers to **obsess** her, fueling feelings of inadequacy. She felt overwhelmed and unfulfilled by the lack of validation she had to offer herself, and began to lose sight of what she truly enjoyed doing.