obsessive

adjective

ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈse-siv 

əb-

1

a

: tending to cause obsession

b

: excessive often to an unreasonable degree

2

: of, relating to, or characterized by obsession : deriving from obsession

obsessive noun

obsessively adverb

obsessiveness noun

Synonyms

• besetting
• compulsive
• driven
• impulsive
• obsessional

Examples of obsessive in a Sentence

Many dancers are obsessive about their weight.

He is an obsessive workaholic who never stops thinking about his job.

an obsessive interest in space travel

The new therapy is supposed to help people control their obsessive thoughts.

Recent Examples on the Web

Quezada is diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 1 Nov. 2024

On the other hand, love styles such as Ludus— the game-playing, non-committal love style— and Mania, the obsessive love style, undermine relationship quality and stability due to the negative relationship behavior involved. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024

Yet, the hater was at his most affecting when confronted with obsessive love, a feeling that commingles warmth with disdain. —Brandon Sanchez, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell is all about twin sisters Cath and Wren, an obsessive fandom, family drama, relationships, the works. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

obsess + -ive

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing obsessive

• obsessive-compulsive
• obsessive-compulsive disorder

Kids Definition

obsessive

adjective

ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈses-iv 

əb-

: of, relating to, having, or being an obsession

obsessively adverb

Medical Definition

obsessive

1 of 2 adjective

ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈses-iv, əb- 

: of, relating to, causing, or characterized by obsession : deriving from obsession

obsessive behavior

obsessively adverb

obsessiveness noun

obsessive

2 of 2 noun

: an obsessive individual