OCD

abbreviation or noun

ˌō-ˌsē-ˈdē 

: a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent obsessions or compulsions or both that cause significant distress, are time-consuming, and interfere with normal daily functioning : obsessive-compulsive disorder

The subjects of the experiment were 18 people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—unwanted and pointless but irresistible intrusive thoughts (e.g., fear of contamination by germs) and repetitive actions (e.g., handwashing or change-counting).

—The Harvard Medical School Mental Health Letter

OCD is a mental health condition that "involves both obsessions and compulsions that take up a lot of time and get in the way of important activities, such as school, family life, extracurricular activities, developing friendships, and self-care," according to the International OCD Foundation.

—Sarah D. Collins

Examples of OCD in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Yes, overmedication is a real crisis, and OCD is frequently misdiagnosed, but Amba’s song turns a struggling kid into some pure-hearted, misunderstood dreamer. —Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026

While postpartum, Gilles struggled with postpartum anxiety and OCD. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026

The treatable conditions can include depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and psychosis. —Breana Pitts, CBS News, 11 May 2026

People with a severe panic or anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) should consult with a healthcare provider before trying a panic pouch or other at-home strategies for mental health disorders in place of a medical treatment plan. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 30 Apr. 2026

Medical Definition

OCD

abbreviation or noun

ˌō-ˌsē-ˈdē 

: a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent obsessions or compulsions or both that cause significant distress, are time-consuming, and interfere with normal daily functioning : obsessive-compulsive disorder

Childhood and adolescent obsessive-compulsive disorders are sometimes seen in dermatology practice. When present, OCD is most frequently manifested in younger patients as trichotillomania …

—J. Y. Koo and L. L. Smith, Pediatric Dermatology

… drugs such as Prozac help relieve the symptoms of OCD, but 90 percent of medicated patients relapse when the drugs are withdrawn. More effective is behavioral therapy, which has a cure rate of up to 80 percent.

—Josie Glausiusz, Discover