obsessive-compulsive

adjective

ob·​ses·​sive-com·​pul·​sive äb-ˈse-siv-kəm-ˈpəl-siv 

əb-

: relating to or characterized by recurring obsessions and compulsions especially as symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder

an obsessive-compulsive personality

obsessive-compulsive behavior

obsessive-compulsive noun

Examples of obsessive-compulsive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In making a show that deals with obsessive-compulsive disorder, the creators managed to maintain a balanced approach while facing certain challenges. —Ed Meza, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025

Luke Combs is opening up about his experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2025

For instance, exposure therapy tends to be the go-to for obsessive-compulsive disorder. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 14 Mar. 2025

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a disorder where people have uncontrollable and recurring thoughts or repetitive behaviors, or both. —Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for obsessive-compulsive

• compulsive
• convulsive
• expulsive
• impulsive
• propulsive
• repulsive
• electroconvulsive

Medical Definition

obsessive-compulsive

1 of 2 adjective

: relating to or characterized by recurring obsessions and compulsions especially as symptoms of an obsessive-compulsive disorder

obsessive-compulsive

2 of 2 noun

: an individual affected with an obsessive-compulsive disorder