obsession

plural obsessions

1. uncountableThe quality of being obsessed; an unshakeable feeling that one topic or activity must be pursued above other interests.

   My obsession with rugby resulted in me spending years following the sport.

   Synonyms: obsessedness

2. countableAn idea that engenders a compulsive or irrational preoccupation, or the preoccupation thereby engendered.

   The downfall of the chairman is an obsession that consumes Laura's time.

   Synonyms: idée fixe

3. countableAn activity or entity that inspires a compulsive and potentially unhealthy fixation, or the fixation thereby inspired.

   His current obsession is getting that law passed.

   1 more example

   Editing Wikipedia started as a hobby, but it's turned into a complete obsession of mine.

   Synonyms: kick

4. uncountableInfluence or control by evil spirits without possession.

   They should see that a perception of their identification with the Victor of Calvary is absolutely necessary if they are to constantly and victoriously resist the obsession of evil spirits.

   1999, Mary E. McDonough, God's Plan of Redemption^([ISBN-0736307184]), page 85

   2 more examples

   if an evil spirit counterfeits the presence of God, and comes upon the man as an influence only, it may be described as obsession; but when a footing is gained in him, it is "possession," because the obsessing spirits have gained access, and possess the ground they hold, up to the extent of the ground given.

   1973, Jessie Penn-Lewis, Evan Roberts, War on the Saints, →ISBN

   It is true, that by the workings of the law of attraction, and the susceptibility of mortals to the influence of spirit powers, mortals may become obsessed by the spirits of evil—that is evil spirits of men who once lived on earth—and this obsession may become so complete and powerful that the living mortal may lose all power to resist this influence of the evil spirits...

   2007, James E. Padgett, The Teachings of Jesus^([ISBN-1430303913]), page 100