obsessional
Adjective: 1. Relating to or characteristic of an obsession: Describes thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are dominated by a persistent, intrusive, and often distressing idea, impulse, or focus. 2. Affected by or exhibiting obsessions: Used to describe a person or their actions when they are compelled or driven by such persistent thoughts or impulses.
The adjective "obsessional" is used to modify nouns, describing a quality of being like or related to an obsession. It often carries a clinical or psychological nuance, suggesting a pattern that is difficult to control and may interfere with normal functioning. It is frequently used interchangeably with "obsessive," though "obsessional" can sound slightly more formal or clinical.
Modifying a noun (thought/behavior):
- She had obsessional thoughts about cleanliness.
- His obsessional need for order made collaboration difficult.
- The obsessional character of his response was noted by the therapist.
Modifying a noun (person):
- He became obsessional about checking the locks every night.
- She is obsessional when it comes to detail in her work.
- Clinical/Diagnostic Context: In psychology and psychiatry, "obsessional" is used to describe symptoms characteristic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or related conditions.
- The patient presented with obsessional ruminations and compulsive hand-washing.
- Obsession (n): The persistent, intrusive thought, idea, or impulse itself.
- His obsession with perfection was exhausting.
- Obsessively (adv): In an obsessional manner.
- He checked the data obsessively.
- Obsessive (adj): Very similar in meaning and usage to "obsessional," often used more commonly in everyday language.
- He has an obsessive interest in vintage cars.
- Compulsive
- Fixated
- Preoccupied
- Consuming
- Neurotic (in a clinical sense)
- Obsessional jealousy: Jealousy characterized by intrusive, persistent thoughts and compulsive checking behaviors.
- Obsessional slowness: A clinical term for a severe difficulty in completing simple daily tasks due to obsessive doubts and compulsions.
- characterized by or constituting an obsession
- the obsessional character of his response
- obsessive gambling