obsession

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An activity or entity that inspires a compulsive and potentially unhealthy fixation, or the fixation thereby inspired.

   Editing Wikipedia started as a hobby, but it's turned into a complete obsession of mine.

2. 2
   noun

   Influence or control by evil spirits without possession.

   if an evil spirit counterfeits the presence of God, and comes upon the man as an influence only, it may be described as obsession; but when a footing is gained in him, it is "possession," because the obsessing spirits have gained access, and possess the ground they hold, up to the extent of the ground given.

3. 3
   noun

   an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone

4. 4
   noun

   an irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions, even against your will

5. 5
   noun

   The quality of being obsessed.

6. 6
   noun

   An idea that engenders a compulsive or irrational preoccupation, or the preoccupation thereby engendered.

Etymology

From Latin obsessio (“a besieging”), from obsidere (“to besiege”); see obsess. Equivalent to obsess + -ion.