Word
obsessed
Phoneticsob·sessed, stress on the second syllable
US/əbˈsɛst/
UK/ɒbsˈɛst/
Definitions
01intensely preoccupied
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. thinking about something or someone so much that you cannot focus on anything else.
adj. exhibiting an intense, often excessive, preoccupation with a specific topic, person, or emotion.
“He is completely obsessed with that new video game and plays it every night.”
“The media became obsessed with the celebrity's private life, ignoring the more significant political developments occurring simultaneously.”
Usage
Usually follows the verb 'to be' or 'to become' and takes the preposition 'with'.
Pitfall
She is obsessed by her new hobby.
She is obsessed with her new hobby.
In modern English, we almost always use the preposition 'with' after obsessed when describing an interest or hobby.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02troubled by spirits
C2 · Proficiency Religion Archaic
adj. an old-fashioned way to describe someone influenced by bad spirits or ghosts.
adj. historically distinguished from 'possessed'; refers to being influenced or harassed by external evil spirits rather than being internally controlled by them.
“The old stories spoke of a man obsessed by shadows that followed him everywhere.”
“In medieval theology, the obsessed individual was seen as a victim of external demonic harassment rather than internal spiritual displacement.”
Teaching tip
This sense is rare in modern conversation and is mostly found in historical religious texts or horror literature.
Real-World Examples
“Or the New Jersey mansion where Tony Soprano ate, slept and obsessed over the ducks in his swimming pool.” “He wants everyone to know about the horror fishing game he’s currently obsessed with.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/obsessed