obsessed

Obsessed is an adjective describing someone who is intensely preoccupied with a person, idea, object, or activity, to the point of distraction or impairment. In everyday language it can indicate strong admiration or passion as well as fixation. The word comes from Latin obsessus, from obsidere "to besiege" or "to occupy," and reached English via Old French and Middle Latin. The related verb is obsess.

In psychology, an obsession is a persistent, intrusive thought, image, or urge that causes distress. Obsessions are a key feature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), often accompanied by compulsions—repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety. In common usage "obsessed" does not imply a clinical diagnosis, though long-term preoccupation can reflect unhealthy patterns and may benefit from evaluation or intervention.

The term is widely used in media and everyday speech to describe intense interest—such as being obsessed with sports, a hobby, or a celebrity. Obsession as a theme appears in literature, film, and music, frequently exploring the line between dedication and fixation.