obsesionar
“obsesionar” means “to obsess” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to obsess
Also: to haunt, to preoccupy
📝 In Action
Ese problema me obsesiona y no puedo dormir.
B1That problem obsesses me and I can't sleep.
La idea de fracasar lo obsesiona desde hace meses.
B2The idea of failing has haunted him for months.
No dejes que el pasado te obsesione tanto.
C1Don't let the past preoccupy you so much.
to become obsessed
Also: to get hung up on
📝 In Action
No te obsesiones con los detalles.
B1Don't get obsessed with the details.
Ella se obsesionó con la limpieza de la casa.
B2She became obsessed with the cleanliness of the house.
Es fácil obsesionarse con las redes sociales.
B2It is easy to get obsessed with social media.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: obsesionar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'I am obsessed with my car'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'obsidere,' meaning 'to besiege' or 'to sit in front of.' It conveys the idea of a thought sitting outside your mind like an army, refusing to leave.
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'obsesionar' always a bad thing?
Not necessarily. While it often implies a negative fixation, it can be used to describe a deep passion for a hobby or project, though it still suggests a level of intensity that is hard to control.
What is the difference between 'obsesionar' and 'preocupar'?
'Preocupar' just means to worry. 'Obsesionar' is much stronger; it means the thought is constantly present and you can't get rid of it.
Can I use 'obsesionado' as an adjective?
Yes! You can say 'Estoy obsesionado con esta serie' (I am obsessed with this series).