Obsession (?), n. [L. obsessio: cf. F. obsession.]
1. The act of besieging. [archaic] Johnson.
[1913 Webster]
2. The state of being besieged; -- used specifically of a person beset by a spirit from without. [archaic] Tylor.
[1913 Webster]
Whether by obsession or possession, I will not determine. Burton.
[1913 Webster]
3. An excessive preoccupation of the thoughts or feelings; the persistent haunting or domination of the mind by a particular desire, idea, or image.
[PJC]
4. Hence: Any driving motive; a compelling goal; -- not necessarily implying a negative judgment, as does sense 3; as, “the coach was obsessed with winning the state championship”
[PJC]
5. Something that causes an obsession3.
[PJC]
6. The state of being obsessed.
[PJC]