obsessive

adjective

ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈse-siv How to pronounce obsessive (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Residence starred Uzo Aduba as quirky detective Cordelia Cupp, who uses her cunning intellect and obsessive bird-watching abilities to crack otherwise unsolvable cases. Andy Swift, TVLine, 2 July 2025 In a saturated mid-market bracket, Hampton’s leadership has managed to differentiate the brand through an obsessive drive to understand customers. Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 And some are just for the most obsessive Fabs scholars. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2025 Even the most obsessive dancing queen will find fresh storytelling and breadth in these pages. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for obsessive

Word History

Etymology

obsess + -ive

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of obsessive was in 1897

Cite this Entry

“Obsessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsessive. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

obsessive

adjective
ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈses-iv How to pronounce obsessive (audio)
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- How to pronounce obsessive (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on obsessive

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