Dictionary.com

obsessive-compulsive

[ uhb-ses-iv-kuhm-puhl-siv ]
/ əbˈsɛs ɪv kəmˈpʌl sɪv /
Save This Word!
adjective
noting or relating to a personality characterized by perfectionism, indecision, conscientiousness, concern with detail, rigidity, and inhibition.
Psychiatry. noting or relating to a disorder or neurosis characterized by persistent intrusion of unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or the performance of actions, as repeated hand-washing, that one is unable to stop (compulsions): obsessive-compulsive disorder.
noun
a person having obsessive-compulsive traits.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of obsessive-compulsive

First recorded in 1925–30; obsessive + compulsive

Words nearby obsessive-compulsive

observer, obsess, obsessed, obsession, obsessive, obsessive-compulsive, obsessive-compulsive disorder, obsidian, obsidian dating, obsidional coin, obsolesc.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use obsessive-compulsive in a sentence

FEEDBACK