obsessive

adjective

ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈse-siv 

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

Synonyms

• besetting
• compulsive
• driven
• impulsive
• obsessional

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

His scientist’s mind and obsessive focus has brought us into worlds heretofore unseen. 4. —Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024

And Questlove, of course, approaches it with not only the encyclopedic fluency and passion of an obsessive fan but also the expertise and originality of an innovative participant. —Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2024

Individuals with erotomania may also experience intrusive and obsessive thoughts about the object of their delusion that interfere with their daily functioning. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

The series followed an obsessive fan who goes to murderous extremes to defend the sterling reputation of her favorite pop star. —Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 18 Feb. 2024

Despite an obsessive workout routine, Chambers isn’t a particularly big guy. —David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2024

William Dear has made headlines for decades as an obsessive private detective. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2024

There are many charter schools that aim to address the problem of low achievement, often through an obsessive focus on test scores and discipline. —Emma Green, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024

An obsessive quail hunter, Pickens designed and managed the ranch with upland birds in mind, and it’s been called a quail mecca by some. —Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 7 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing obsessive

• obsessive-compulsive disorder
• obsessive-compulsive

Kids Definition

obsessive

adjective

ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈses-iv 

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- 

: 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