Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Characterized by obsessions and compulsions: Describes thoughts or behaviors that are marked by persistent, unwanted ideas (obsessions) and repetitive, ritualistic actions (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety.

2. Noun:

   • A person with obsessive-compulsive characteristics: Refers to an individual who experiences or is diagnosed with a pattern of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • She has obsessive-compulsive tendencies about cleanliness.
  • The repetitive checking was an obsessive-compulsive ritual.

• Noun:

  • He is an obsessive-compulsive who finds it difficult to leave the house without performing specific routines.
  • The therapist specializes in treating obsessive-compulsives.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Context: The term is most precisely used in psychology and psychiatry to describe symptoms or a disorder (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD).
  • The diagnosis was based on clear obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Variants and Related Words

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (n): The full name of the clinical condition characterized by obsessions and/or compulsions.

  • She is receiving therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

• Obsessively (adv): In a manner showing obsession.

  • He checked the locks obsessively.

• Compulsively (adv): In a manner driven by compulsion.

  • She washed her hands compulsively.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Ritualistic, driven, neurotic (in a clinical, non-colloquial sense).
• Noun: Sufferer of OCD.

Notes on Meaning

• The term is often shortened to "OCD" in informal contexts, though "OCD" formally refers to the disorder itself. The hyphenated form "obsessive-compulsive" can function as both an adjective and a noun to describe the associated traits or a person with them.

Adjective

1. characterized by obsessions and compulsions
   • obsessive-compulsive neurosis

Noun

1. a person with obsessive-compulsive characteristics