obsessive-compulsive

[ uh b-ses-iv-kuh m-puhl-siv ]
/ əbˈsɛs ɪv kəmˈpʌl sɪv /

adjective

of or relating to a personality style characterized by perfectionism, indecision, conscientiousness, concern with detail, rigidity, and inhibition.
Psychiatry. of or relating to a 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).

noun

a person having such a personality style.

Origin of obsessive-compulsive

First recorded in 1925–30

Example sentences from the Web for obsessive-compulsive

Medical definitions for obsessive-compulsive

obsessive-compulsive

adj.

Having a tendency to dwell on unwanted thoughts or perform certain repetitious rituals, especially as a defense against anxiety from unconscious conflicts.

n.

A person who exhibits obsessive-compulsive behavior.