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obsessive-compulsive disorder
noun
: a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent obsessions or compulsions or both that cause significant distress, are time-consuming, and interfere with normal daily functioning
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic illness characterized by recurrent intrusive and disabling thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive stereotypical behavior (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform.—Robert Michels and Peter M. Marzuk
called also OCD
Examples of obsessive-compulsive disorder in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is a sign of trichotillomania, a rare condition on the obsessive-compulsive disorder spectrum.4 Tweezing Tweezing is a common method for removing unwanted stray hairs and shaping eyebrows.
—Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 22 Mar. 2023
Tony Shalhoub — who won three Emmys for the role — will once again play Adrian Monk, a brilliant detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Mar. 2023
Tony Shalhoub will once again star as Adrian Monk, the consulting detective who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder and a wide range of phobias.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 15 Mar. 2023
Sometimes teammates openly share their experiences living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), dyslexia, or anxiety.
—Bryan Stallings, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1950, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of obsessive-compulsive disorder was
in 1950
Dictionary Entries Near obsessive-compulsive disorder
Cite this Entry
“Obsessive-compulsive disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsessive-compulsive%20disorder. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
obsessive-compulsive disorder
noun
: a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent obsessions or compulsions or both that cause significant distress, are time-consuming, and interfere with normal daily functioning
Note: An individual with obsessive-compulsive disorder attempts to ignore or suppress persistent unwanted and intrusive thoughts, urges, or impulses or tries to minimize them or the distress they cause by performing a repetitive behavior (such as handwashing) or mental act (such as counting or silently repeating words).
called also OCD
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