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
Everyone’s favorite obsessive-compulsive detective is returning for what may be his final case.
—
Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 8 Nov. 2023
Studies suggest that many kinds of neurodiversity, including ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and substance abuse, correlate with high performance in business environments.
—Matthew Heimer, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2023
Despite this, ketamine is often touted as a treatment for other psychiatric conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 21 Oct. 2023
Ruby struggled with an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
—Colin Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2023
In the series, Shalhoub played detective Adrian Monk, a character who lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
—Marianne Garvey, CNN, 10 Oct. 2023
Another recent study found that self-administering psychedelics helped people treat obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, even without facilitated therapy.
—Celia Ford, WIRED, 9 Oct. 2023
These feelings can range from mild and fleeting concerns to deep despair, panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
—Karen Magruder, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2023
People with skin-picking disorder are more likely to have psychological issues, including major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders, but none are essential for a diagnosis.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 5 Sep. 2023
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Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 8 Nov. 2023
Studies suggest that many kinds of neurodiversity, including ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and substance abuse, correlate with high performance in business environments.
—Matthew Heimer, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2023
Despite this, ketamine is often touted as a treatment for other psychiatric conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 21 Oct. 2023
Ruby struggled with an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
—Colin Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2023
In the series, Shalhoub played detective Adrian Monk, a character who lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
—Marianne Garvey, CNN, 10 Oct. 2023
Another recent study found that self-administering psychedelics helped people treat obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, even without facilitated therapy.
—Celia Ford, WIRED, 9 Oct. 2023
These feelings can range from mild and fleeting concerns to deep despair, panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
—Karen Magruder, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2023
People with skin-picking disorder are more likely to have psychological issues, including major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders, but none are essential for a diagnosis.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 5 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obsessive-compulsive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1927, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of obsessive-compulsive was
in 1927
Dictionary Entries Near obsessive-compulsive
Cite this Entry
“Obsessive-compulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsessive-compulsive. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
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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
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