Definition of obsession

The word "obsession" stems from the Latin root "obsessus," which translates to "beset" or "besieged." In medieval Latin, this term described the state of someone under the influence of a supernatural force or possession, often referring to demonic possession. The term was adopted by the French in the 16th century, where it shifted in meaning to refer to a persistent and excessive preoccupation with a person, object, or idea. It was popularized by French psychiatrists, such as Joseph Dupuytren and Pierre Janet, who associated obsession with neurosis and mental disorder. In the late 19th century, the term "obsession" gained wider attention due to its use in Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory. Freud viewed obsessive-compulsive behaviors as a defense mechanism against underlying anxiety and unconscious desires, ultimately becoming a diagnostic category in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Today, "obsession" is commonly used to describe an intense and often irrational fixation on a particular thought or action, often associated with anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions. While its origins may lie in medieval notions of possession, the modern-day usage of obsession reflects a broader understanding of human behavior and mental health.