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

In other words, if a team hones in on an almost obsessive drive to improve, the outcomes will take care of themselves. —Braidon Nourse, The Denver Post, 23 Nov. 2024

This gloriously obsessive enterprise could only originate from the enthusiastic fervor of a fan — which Sean very much is. —Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024

Perhaps few places have been more obsessive followers of the rankings than Florida, where a state law encourages public universities to aim for high rankings. —Stephanie Saul, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Nov. 2024

That obsessive nature sets him apart even from his incredibly obsessive peers. —Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 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