Obsession

Obsession

obsession, n: [< Middle French, French obsession (1470 in sense 1, 1590 in sense 2, 1799 in sense 3a, 1866 in sense 3b) and its etymon classical Latin obsessin-, obsessi the action of besieging, a siege < obsess-, past participial stem of obsidre OBSIDE v. + -i -ION1. The word app. became obsolete at the end of the 17th cent. and was revived in the 19th cent. (cf. OBSESS v.).] 1. The action of besieging a place; a siege. Also fig. Obs. 2. The control, actuation, or tormenting of a person from without by an evil spirit; the fact of being so controlled or affected; an instance of this. Now rare. 3. a. An idea, image, or influence which continually fills or troubles the mind; a compulsive interest or preoccupation; the fact or state of being troubled or preoccupied in this way. b. Psychol. A recurrent, intrusive, inappropriate thought, impulse, or image causing significant distress or disturbance to social or occupational functioning; (also) the condition characterized by having such thoughts, impulses, or images. (OED)

Returning -- ruminating -- repetition -- the omission of everything other -- seduction

For an example of obsession, see navigation device below:

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