obsessive-compulsive disorder
noun
psychiatry
an anxiety disorder in which patients are driven to repeat the same act, such as washing their hands, over and over again, usually for many hours
Abbreviation: OCD
Words nearby obsessive-compulsive disorder
obsess,
obsessed,
obsession,
obsessive,
obsessive-compulsive,
obsessive-compulsive disorder,
obsidian,
obsidian dating,
obsidional coin,
obsolesc.,
obsolesce
Scientific definitions for obsessive-compulsive disorder
obsessive-compulsive disorder
[ əb-sĕs′ĭv-kəm-pŭl′sĭv ]
A psychiatric disorder characterized by the persistent intrusion of repetitive, unwanted thoughts which may be accompanied by compulsive actions, such as handwashing. The individual cannot voluntarily prevent these thoughts or actions, which interfere with normal functioning.