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

Ultimately, these tools could yield discoveries about the brain and potentially even treatments for psychiatric conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). — Simon Makin, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026

The medical community, however, views them as effective and necessary treatments for people with a wide range of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. — Awais Aftab, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2026

During this period of my life, one that was entirely consumed by obsessive-compulsive disorder, virtually every e-mail that landed in my inbox had the same effect on me. — Andrew Lipstein, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026

The Air Jordan 11 Retro Low IE was the canvas for Avery Wilson, a 13-year-old patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 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