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

Anxiety Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), can co-occur with polyphagia due to the emotional and psychological impact on eating behaviors. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 5 Dec. 2024

Seeing Shred: Differences in muscle dysmorphia, orthorexia nervosa, depression, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies among groups of weightlifting athletes National Library of Medicine. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024

While some may easily scroll past these videos, individuals with mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are particularly vulnerable, according to OCD expert and clinical psychologist Brad Reimann. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024

Myrick, who has schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, knows the power of a good peer. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

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