The phrases "obsession with" and "obsession of" are both used to describe an intense preoccupation or fixation on something or someone, but they are used in slightly different ways.
- "Obsession with": When we say someone has an "obsession with" something, it means they are intensely focused on or preoccupied with a particular thing or person. The word "with" indicates that the person's thoughts, emotions, or actions are directed towards the object of their obsession. For example:
- She has an obsession with cleanliness, always cleaning and organizing everything around her.
- He developed an obsession with the new video game and spends most of his free time playing it.
In these examples, the individuals are fixated on cleanliness and the video game, respectively.
- "Obsession of": The phrase "obsession of" is less common and not as widely used as "obsession with." It can be seen as somewhat archaic or less standard. When used, "obsession of" typically refers to a state or condition rather than indicating what someone is obsessed with. For example:
- The artist's work revealed an obsession of the human form and its complexity. (Here, it's describing the artist's state or condition of being obsessed with the human form.)
In modern English, "obsession with" is more commonly used and preferred in most contexts to convey the idea of fixation or preoccupation.
So, to sum up:
- "Obsession with" is the more standard and widely accepted way to express someone's intense preoccupation with a specific thing or person.
- "Obsession of" is less common and may sound somewhat outdated, but it can be used to describe a state or condition of being obsessed rather than specifying the object of the obsession.