How to Say "Obsession" in French

obsession

/ɔp.sɛ.sjɔ̃/

The English word obsession is translated into French as obsession.

The word obsession is used to describe a compulsive or irrational preoccupation.

Meaning: compulsive or irrational preoccupation (noun)

Which one should you use?

For a more informal way to describe a fixation, you can use fixette.

The noun obsession is feminine. When using the indefinite article, you should use une obsession.

The word has three syllables and is pronounced /ɔp.sɛ.sjɔ̃/.

The word obsession shares its roots with the English word 'besiege'. It comes from the Latin 'obsidere', which means 'to sit opposite' or 'to lay siege to'.
In French literature, the concept of idée fixe became a psychological archetype through the works of writers like Balzac, representing a passion that consumes a person's entire life.
Unlike the English 'obsessed', which is frequently used as a lighthearted compliment for a fan of a hobby, obsession in French often retains a stronger connotation of being trapped or overwhelmed.

Je ne comprends pas cette obsession que tu as.
I don't understand this obsession of yours.
This sentence uses obsession to express a lack of understanding regarding someone's preoccupation.
Tatoeba #5573161 by Aiji, translation #4846647 by Hybrid
Sami a une drôle d'obsession pour les cornichons.
Sami has a weird obsession with pickles.
This sentence uses obsession to describe someone's strange interest in pickles.
Tatoeba #6488747 by Micsmithel, translation #6484804 by OsoHombre
Je suggère que tu entames une thérapie comportementale afin de te guérir de ton obsession des virgules.
I suggest that you start a behavioral therapy in order to cure yourself of your obsession with comas.
This sentence uses obsession in the context of suggesting therapy for a preoccupation with commas.
Tatoeba #1131774 by sacredceltic, translation #1745522 by belgavox
La passion qu'il a développée pour ce sujet est devenue une véritable obsession.
The passion he developed for this subject has become a true obsession.
Sa préoccupation extrême pour les détails peut lui causer des problèmes de productivité.
His extreme obsession with details can cause productivity problems for him.
Je crois qu'il a une véritable fixette pour les jeux vidéo.
I think he has a real obsession with video games.
2 more sentences on Tatoeba

Hugo and Manon are discussing Hugo's new fitness routine.

Hugo

Tu penses que mon obsession pour le sport est excessive ?
Do you think my obsession with sports is excessive?
Manon

Un peu, Hugo, tu t'entraînes tous les jours.
A little, Hugo, you train every single day.
Hugo

Je veux juste rester en bonne forme.
I just want to stay in good shape.
Manon

D'accord, mais fais attention à ne pas te blesser.
Okay, but be careful not to hurt yourself.

Sources

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