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

This goes against how therapists try combat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other compulsive behavior, which is predicated on fostering self-trust and accepting uncertainty, the reporting notes. —Frank Landymore, Futurism, 8 Apr. 2026

In 2024, Ryyan was diagnosed with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. —Kennedy Cook, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026

Using marijuana also did not improve other mental health conditions such as anorexia nervosa; bipolar disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD; or psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, Wilson said. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026

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

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