obsessive

adjective

ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈse-siv 

əb-

1

a

: tending to cause obsession

b

: excessive often to an unreasonable degree

an obsessive interest

2

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

obsessive noun

obsessively adverb

obsessiveness noun

Synonyms of obsessive

• impulsive
• compulsive
• 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

Among the many obsessive bloggers and observers who cover the industry, the idea was mostly treated as so improbable, even delusional, as to be not even worth taking seriously. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

As a result, persons suffer from addictive, obsessive or compulsive behaviors. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

The first trailer for the film was released April 14, giving a peak into the film’s portrait of obsessive Disney history collectors. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 14 Apr. 2026

Also, puppets, obsessive love, body-swapping, a rescue chimp, and more puppets. —Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

obsess + -ive

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing obsessive

• obsessive-compulsive
• obsessive-compulsive disorder

Rhymes for obsessive

• aggressive
• compressive
• concessive
• depressive
• excessive
• expressive
• impressive
• oppressive
• possessive
• progressive
• recessive
• regressive

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