obsessive-compulsive

adjective

ob·​ses·​sive-com·​pul·​sive äb-ˈse-siv-kəm-ˈpəl-siv 

əb-

: relating to or characterized by recurring obsessions and compulsions especially as symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder

an obsessive-compulsive personality

obsessive-compulsive behavior

obsessive-compulsive noun

Examples of obsessive-compulsive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wealthy, misanthropic and obsessive-compulsive, Melvin Udall, played by Jack Nicholson, develops an unlikely bond with Carol, a waitress portrayed by Helen Hunt. —Camille Perri, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

In 2000, the Ig Nobel Prize in chemistry went to a trio of researchers at the University of Pisa in Italy and their colleague at UC San Diego for their discovery that, biochemically speaking, romantic love may be indistinguishable from having severe obsessive-compulsive disorder. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026

Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition classified under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. —Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 28 May 2026

Over the years, doctors reportedly diagnosed him with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for obsessive-compulsive

• compulsive
• convulsive
• expulsive
• impulsive
• propulsive
• repulsive
• electroconvulsive

Medical Definition

obsessive-compulsive

1 of 2 adjective

: relating to or characterized by recurring obsessions and compulsions especially as symptoms of an obsessive-compulsive disorder

obsessive-compulsive

2 of 2 noun

: an individual affected with an obsessive-compulsive disorder