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

In fact, Jaissle, with his emotional touchline demeanour and obsessive tactical demands, comes across more as a highly-strung indie-rock songwriter/front man. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Moore plays a shy housewife whose small role in a community theater production transforms her into an obsessive method actor. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026

In the weeks leading up to the murder, Cuesta-Rodriguez's behavior was growing increasingly obsessive, controlling, and violent, according to family, prosecutors, and court records. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

The next season of the TCM podcast The Plot Thickens will train a spotlight on the famously reclusive, notoriously obsessive Stanley Kubrick. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 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