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

People with other medical fears like germaphobia, or with anxiety disorders such as OCD or generalized anxiety disorder, may also be more likely to develop it. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026

Risk factors include traumatic needle experiences, a family history of needle fear and anxiety disorders such as OCD or generalized anxiety disorder. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

Green opens up about the dark side of the attention economy, publicizing his OCD, his experience with aphantasia and the growing fight against book bans. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

In the words of Joan Rowley, a professional organizer and the owner at OCD Organized, for most households the entryway is a drop zone. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 17 Aug. 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drugs such as Prozac help relieve the symptoms of OCD, but 90 percent of medicated patients relapse when the drugs are withdrawn.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