How to pronounce obsession
Say it like ub-SESH-un. Obsession has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SESH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce obsession. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ub
- SESH
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Obsession pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ubKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SESHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of obsession
American and British speakers say obsession in essentially the same way: /əbˈsɛʃən/ in the US and /əbˈsɛʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: ub-SESH-un.
What does obsession mean?
- an irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions, even against your will“her compulsion to wash her hands repeatedly”
- an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone
Where does obsession come from?
From Latin obsessio (“a besieging”), from obsidere (“to besiege”); see obsess.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with obsession
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of obsession.
- depression
- expression
- possession
- impression
- profession
- succession
- aggression
- discretion
- progression
- confession
Questions about saying obsession
How do you pronounce obsession?
Say ub-SESH-un. The American pronunciation is /əbˈsɛʃən/. In British English it is /əbˈsɛʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in obsession?
Obsession has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SESH). Broken into parts: ub · SESH · un.
Do Americans and Brits say obsession the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əbˈsɛʃən/ and the British form is /əbˈsɛʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.