obsessive

adjective

ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈse-siv How to pronounce obsessive (audio)
əb-
1
a
: tending to cause obsession
b
: excessive often to an unreasonable degree
2
: of, relating to, or characterized by obsession : deriving from obsession
obsessive noun
obsessively adverb
obsessiveness noun

Examples of obsessive in a Sentence

Many dancers are obsessive about their weight. He is an obsessive workaholic who never stops thinking about his job. an obsessive interest in space travel The new therapy is supposed to help people control their obsessive thoughts.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So much of the unlikely story is about Lightfoot’s obsessive attention to detail and commitment to getting the story right, which resulted in a classic ballad that has helped keep the ship’s memory alive. John U. Bacon, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025 The story explores a father’s obsessive pursuit of justice for his missing daughter, highlighting the devastating impact of loss and raising questions about the boundaries between justice and vigilantism, per the logline. Peter White, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025 Frankenstein is ultimately a story about an obsessive desire to conquer death. Jon Michael Varese, The Atlantic, 28 Sep. 2025 The obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop. Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obsessive

Word History

Etymology

obsess + -ive

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of obsessive was in 1897

Cite this Entry

“Obsessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsessive. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

obsessive

adjective
ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈses-iv How to pronounce obsessive (audio)
əb-
: of, relating to, having, or being an obsession
obsessively adverb

Medical Definition

obsessive

1 of 2 adjective
ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈses-iv, əb- How to pronounce obsessive (audio)
: of, relating to, causing, or characterized by obsession : deriving from obsession
obsessive behavior
obsessively adverb
obsessiveness noun

obsessive

2 of 2 noun
: an obsessive individual

More from Merriam-Webster on obsessive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!