Words / C1

uhb-SESHUN/əbˈseʃn/

An obsession is a thought or activity you cannot drop, often too much: an obsession with rankings, obsessed (adjective). Interest is everyday; passion can be positive. Obsessive is the harsher adjective. Do not diagnose a careful, complete check as an obsession.

Meaning

An idea or activity that you cannot stop thinking about, often too much.

Examples

• “An obsession with the league table crowded out the dropout figures.”
• “An obsession with the league table crowded the dropout line off the page.”
• “Passion can be healthy; obsession usually overdoes it. Obsessive checking of a fire door can still be the right amount. Interest is everyday.”

Good to know

A thought you cannot drop. Adjective: obsessed / obsessive. Everyday: interest. Can be too much. Not a thorough safety check.

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