obsessive-compulsive

adjective

ob·​ses·​sive-com·​pul·​sive äb-ˈse-siv-kəm-ˈpəl-siv How to pronounce obsessive-compulsive (audio)
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
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.
SSRIs are approved by the FDA to treat a range of conditions such as anxiety, depression, bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and are used off-label to treat several others. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 22 May 2025 Psych 101 The Unexpected Symptoms of O.C.D. Disturbing thoughts and social fixations are among the many manifestations of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Christina Caron, New York Times, 16 May 2025 However, Hippler said, defense experts could speak to those certain ASD or obsessive-compulsive behaviors for rebuttal arguments. Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025 About two-thirds of people with ADHD have been diagnosed with a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).8 Symptoms and Traits While every neurodivergent individual experiences unique emotional and behavioral symptoms. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obsessive-compulsive

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of obsessive-compulsive was in 1927

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Cite this Entry

“Obsessive-compulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsessive-compulsive. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on obsessive-compulsive

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