obsession crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for answers to the clue "obsession crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by word length, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.

Solutions for "obsession crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

URGE: A strong desire or impulse, sometimes bordering on an obsession.

5 Letters

MANIA: An excessive enthusiasm or desire for something, often an irrational preoccupation.

8 Letters

FIXATION: A preoccupation with one subject or idea to the exclusion of others.

9 Letters

ADDICTION: The fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity; a compulsive need or obsession.

13 Letters

PREOCCUPATION: The state or condition of being preoccupied or engrossed with something; an idea or thought that occupies the mind and to which one returns persistently.

More About "obsession crossword clue"

The term "obsession" in a crossword clue points to a wide range of meanings, from an intense, all-consuming interest to a psychological compulsion. It often hints at words reflecting a strong, sometimes unhealthy, focus or a recurring thought pattern. Common synonyms that pop up in puzzles include words like 'mania', 'fixation', 'addiction', or even 'craze'. Understanding the nuance of the clue and its potential synonyms is key to unlocking the correct answer.

From a psychological perspective, an obsession is a persistent, unwanted thought or urge that causes distress. In a lighter sense, it can refer to a profound passion for a hobby or interest. Crossword setters leverage this duality, so always consider both the serious and the informal interpretations of "obsession" to find the perfect fit for the grid. The length of the answer boxes will be your primary guide.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider Synonyms and Nuances: "Obsession" can have many synonyms. Think about words like 'mania', 'fixation', 'addiction', 'craze', 'passion', 'preoccupation', or even simpler terms like 'urge'. The exact shade of meaning needed will often be hinted at by other words in the clue or by the intersecting letters.
Match Word Length: Always check the number of letters required. If you're stuck between 'MANIA' (5 letters) and 'FIXATION' (8 letters) for an obsession-related clue, the grid's length will immediately tell you which one is correct.
Look at Intersecting Clues: The letters you've already filled in from intersecting words are your best friends. They provide critical constraints that narrow down the possibilities for "obsession" answers. If an answer starts with 'F' and has 8 letters, 'FIXATION' becomes a very strong candidate.
Analyze the Clue's Tone: Some clues for "obsession" might lean towards a negative connotation (e.g., "unhealthy fixation"), while others might imply a strong, positive passion (e.g., "collector's passion"). This can help you choose between words with different emotional weights.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an obsession and a hobby in a crossword context?

While both involve strong interest, an obsession (like MANIA or FIXATION) often implies an unhealthy, overwhelming, or compulsive focus. A hobby (like CRAFT or PASTIME) is generally a healthy, enjoyable leisure activity. In crosswords, clues might distinguish by tone or surrounding words.

Are all crossword answers for 'obsession' negative?

Not always. While words like ADDICTION or MANIA have negative connotations, 'obsession' can sometimes be used more lightly to describe an intense passion for something positive, like a hobby or a goal. The specific clue and puzzle context will usually make this clear.

How do I find the correct length for 'obsession' in a crossword?

The number of blanks provided in the crossword grid dictates the exact word length. If you have several options for 'obsession' (e.g., MANIA (5 letters) or FIXATION (8 letters)), look at the length of the blank spaces to narrow down your choice. Intersecting letters from other solved clues are also crucial for confirmation.