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
Words nearby obsessive-compulsive
observer,
obsess,
obsessed,
obsession,
obsessive,
obsessive-compulsive,
obsessive-compulsive disorder,
obsidian,
obsidian dating,
obsidional coin,
obsolesc.
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.