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

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

Washington’s version of McCall is disciplined but damaged, and possibly afflicted with something like obsessive-compulsive disorder. — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

In 2018, their son, Alan Hu, was receiving medical care for depression and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. — Sharon Chin, CBS News, 25 June 2026

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

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