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

However, Hippler said, defense experts could speak to those certain ASD or obsessive-compulsive behaviors for rebuttal arguments. —Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025

About two-thirds of people with ADHD have been diagnosed with a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).8 Symptoms and Traits While every neurodivergent individual experiences unique emotional and behavioral symptoms. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025

For instance, exposure therapy tends to be the go-to for obsessive-compulsive disorder. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 14 Mar. 2025

Luke Combs is sharing his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, hoping to inspire others with the same condition. —Elizabeth Stanton, Fox News, 10 Mar. 2025

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