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

Another patient had a revelation about the origins of his severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, which significantly improved his symptoms. —Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026

The former Auburn star later revealed that his absence was due to religious scrupulosity, which is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder. —James Boyd, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026

But for individuals experiencing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, that validation may amplify paranoia, grandiosity, or self-destructive thinking. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026

Importantly, some psychiatric conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder are characterized by impulsivity, or a lack of hesitation, while excessive hesitation is a crippling consequence of several anxiety disorders. —Eric Yttri, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 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