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

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

People with a severe panic or anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) should consult with a healthcare provider before trying a panic pouch or other at-home strategies for mental health disorders in place of a medical treatment plan. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 30 Apr. 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

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