French Conversation · Level 124
58 words
French word
obséder
Pronunciation
IPA/opsede/
Meaning
- verbhaunt
Example
Ce problème m'obsède depuis des semaines.
This problem has been haunting me for weeks.
More examples
Son souvenir l'obsède encore.
That memory still haunts him.
Core concept
An idea repeatedly presses into someone's attention and leaves little mental space for anything else.
Common phrases
obséder la pensée de quelqu'un
haunt ___'s thoughts
être obsédé par une idée
be obsessed with an idea
Similar words
s'inquiéter: To feel concerned or uneasy about something.
préoccuper: To occupy someone's mind and cause ongoing concern.
inquiéter: To cause someone anxiety or unease.
tracasser: To hassle someone by dwelling on small, troubling details.
Definition in French
Troubler fortement l'esprit de quelqu'un par une idée, une image ou une inquiétude qui revient sans cesse.
Word origin
The verb derives from Latin obsidere, 'to besiege', whose image of surrounding an opponent developed into the sense of relentlessly occupying a person's mind.
Usage tips
- Obséder quelqu'un takes a direct object, as in Ce problème m'obsède, whereas the common passive pattern is être obsédé par quelque chose.