morbid obsession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "morbid obsession" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unhealthy or excessive preoccupation with something, often with a dark or disturbing connotation. Example: "Her morbid obsession with true crime documentaries often left her feeling anxious and unsettled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

This morbid obsession with targeting the nation's fatties is doomed.

Independent

Over the years, coverage has gone from adulatory to exploitative to a kind of morbid obsession.

The New York Times - Books

How large this problem loomed in Nādir Shah's mind is demonstrated by his increasingly morbid obsession with treasure and jewels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And a few complained that the news media seemed to have a morbid obsession with the mob boss.

The New York Times

This morbid obsession, she argues, is common to all cultures — a realization that dawned on her when she worked at a museum that exhibited shrunken heads.

The New Yorker

But kimjongilia could also describe a psychological condition: a morbid obsession with Mr. Kim and the hellish country he oversees, shared by escaped North Koreans and Western filmmakers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But Pakistan's morbid obsessions tie India down, too.

The Economist

But there seems little doubt that his optimism, such as it is, remains coloured by morbid obsessions.

The Guardian - Books

"My morbid obsessions have definitely been something that I've had to reconcile and unpack in regards to being a feminist," she said.

Huffington Post

A little more than a third -- 57 of the murders -- involved rape or appeared to be the work of someone with a morbid sexual obsession, according to the report.

The New York Times

A mixture of ferocious booing, wild applause and stunned silence greeted the Cannes competition entry from Austrian director Michael Haneke - The Piano Teacher, an uncompromisingly shocking history of sexual repression, self-mutilation and morbid erotic obsession.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "morbid obsession", ensure the context clearly establishes the negative impact or unhealthy nature of the preoccupation on the individual or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "morbid obsession" when describing general curiosity about a subject. The phrase carries a strong negative connotation and should only be applied when the interest is excessive, unhealthy, and potentially harmful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "morbid obsession" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'morbid' modifies the noun 'obsession', adding a negative connotation. It typically describes a strong, unhealthy preoccupation or fixation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "morbid obsession" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an unhealthy preoccupation with disturbing subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for use in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates the negative and psychologically unhealthy nature of the interest, distinguishing it from mere curiosity. While alternatives like "unhealthy fixation" or "disturbing preoccupation" exist, "morbid obsession" specifically highlights a focus on themes of death, decay, or violence. Avoid using it when a simple expression of interest is more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

macabre preoccupation

Emphasizes the focus on death and decay in the preoccupation. It changes the 'obsession' with 'preoccupation'.

unhealthy fixation

Emphasizes the detrimental aspect of the preoccupation. It changes the 'obsession' with 'fixation'.

disturbing preoccupation

Highlights the unsettling nature of the intense focus. It changes the 'obsession' with 'preoccupation'.

morbid curiosity

Focuses on an unhealthy interest in unpleasant things, like death. It changes the 'obsession' with 'curiosity'.

obsessive fascination

Focuses on the captivating aspect of the preoccupation, adding an element of intrigue. It changes the 'morbid' with 'obsessive'.

dark fascination

Highlights the sinister or evil nature of the fascination. It changes the 'obsession' with 'fascination'.

unwholesome interest

Suggests a negative or corrupting influence associated with the interest. It changes the 'obsession' with 'interest'.

gruesome captivation

Highlights the shocking and unpleasant nature of the fascination. It changes the 'obsession' with 'captivation'.

sickly infatuation

Implies a weak and unhealthy admiration or passion. It changes the 'obsession' with 'infatuation'.

ghoulish delight

Indicates a sinister and macabre enjoyment. It changes the 'obsession' with 'delight'.

FAQs

What does "morbid obsession" mean?

The term "morbid obsession" refers to an unhealthy and excessive preoccupation with subjects that are generally disturbing, such as death, decay, or violence. It suggests a psychological state where the individual's thoughts are dominated by these themes.

How to use "morbid obsession" in a sentence?

You can use "morbid obsession" in a sentence like this: "His "morbid obsession" with true crime led him to spend hours researching serial killers."

What are some synonyms for "morbid obsession"?

Alternatives to "morbid obsession" include "unhealthy fixation", "disturbing preoccupation", or "obsessive fascination", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "morbid obsession"?

It is appropriate to use the term "morbid obsession" when describing an interest that is not only intense but also psychologically unhealthy and focused on dark or disturbing subjects. It should not be used to describe general or casual interests.