obsessed
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əbˈsɛst/
KK: /əbˈsɛst/
adjective
Definition
Having an intense and persistent preoccupation or fixation on something or someone.
Example
She is obsessed with collecting rare stamps from around the world.
Conversation
Have you noticed how obsessed Sam is with that new video game?
Yeah, I can't believe how much time he spends playing it every day.
It's like he's forgotten about everything else!
I know, right? It's definitely his latest obsession.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fixated
preoccupied
infatuated
Antonyms
indifferent
unconcerned
apathetic
verb
Definition
To have an extreme or unhealthy preoccupation with something or someone.
Example
She is obsessed with collecting rare stamps.
Tense Forms
Past: obsessed
Past Participle: obsessed
Conversation
I obsessed over that new video game for days.
I know! You couldn't stop talking about it.
Right? I just couldn't help myself; it was so addictive.
Root Explanation
Obsessed → It is formed from "ob-" (meaning against or over) and "sedere" (meaning to sit). The word describes a state of being where thoughts or feelings sit heavily over someone, leading to an overwhelming preoccupation.
Memory Tip
Think of thoughts that sit heavily 'over' ('ob-') someone, making them unable to focus on anything else. This helps you remember that 'obsessed' means to be overwhelmed by thoughts.
Visually Confused Words
unobsessed
possessed
abscessed
blessed