oppositional defiant disorder

noun

: a disruptive behavior pattern of childhood and adolescence characterized by defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior especially toward adults in positions of authority
abbreviation ODD

Examples of oppositional defiant disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Along with being on the spectrum, Stephens said her son has seven official diagnoses, including ADHD and ODD (oppositional defiant disorder). Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 24 Aug. 2025 Her eldest child was diagnosed with several mental health disorders, including ADHD, major depressive disorder and oppositional defiant disorder, according to E! Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Forty-four percent have been diagnosed with a behavioral disorder like oppositional defiant disorder. Paul Tough Eric Jason Martin Krish Seenivasan Brian St. Pierre, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 Common types include oppositional defiant disorder (distrust and aggression toward authority figures) and intermittent explosive disorder (frequent outbursts of anger). Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oppositional defiant disorder

Word History

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oppositional defiant disorder was in 1988

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Cite this Entry

“Oppositional defiant disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oppositional%20defiant%20disorder. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

oppositional defiant disorder

noun
op·​po·​si·​tion·​al de·​fi·​ant disorder ˌäp-ə-ˈzish-nəl-di-ˈfī-ənt-, -ən-ᵊl- How to pronounce oppositional defiant disorder (audio)
: a disruptive behavior pattern of childhood and adolescence characterized by defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior especially toward adults in positions of authority
abbreviation ODD
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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