“Obsessed” is an adjective that describes a state of being overly preoccupied or fixated on a particular person, thing, or idea. Here are some synonyms and their explanations:
1. Preoccupied
- Explanation: “Preoccupied” means having one's thoughts or attention completely occupied by something. For example, “He was preoccupied with thoughts of his upcoming exam and couldn't focus on the conversation.” It's similar to “obsessed” in that it shows a high level of mental engagement. However, “preoccupied” might imply a more temporary or situation - based focus, while “obsessed” often suggests a more persistent and intense fixation.
2. Fixated
- Explanation: “Fixated” means having an obsessive or compulsive attachment to something. For example, “She was fixated on the idea of getting a promotion and worked day and night.” It emphasizes a single - minded focus that is hard to break. When someone is fixated, they have their attention firmly set on a particular object or concept, much like an obsessed person. The difference is that “fixated” can sometimes sound more clinical or technical, as it's related to psychological concepts of fixation.
3. Infatuated
- Explanation: “Infatuated” means having an intense but often short - lived passion or admiration for someone or something. For example, “He was infatuated with the new actress and collected all her posters.” It's related to “obsessed” in the sense of a strong attraction. However, “infatuation” usually has a more romantic or enthusiastic connotation and may not carry the same sense of potentially harmful or all - consuming fixation as “obsessed.” Infatuation is often seen as a more light - hearted or initial stage of intense interest.
4. Consumed
- Explanation: “Consumed” means to be completely engrossed or overwhelmed by something. For example, “She was consumed by her desire to write a best - selling novel.” It gives the impression that the person's thoughts, emotions, and actions are dominated by a particular pursuit. Similar to “obsessed,” it shows a high level of dedication or preoccupation. But “consumed” can also imply a more active and perhaps even a self - destructive aspect, as if the person is being “eaten up” by their fixation.
5. Captivated
- Explanation: “Captivated” means to be held spellbound or charmed by something. For example, “The audience was captivated by the magician's performance.” It's related to “obsessed” in the sense of having a strong interest. However, “captivated” often implies a more positive and passive kind of attraction. While an obsessed person may actively pursue their fixation, a captivated person is more in a state of being charmed or fascinated, usually by an external stimulus such as a performance or a beautiful object.