obsessive compulsive

/əbˌsɛsɪv kəmˈpʌlsɪv/
noun
  1. A person who has obsessive-compulsive disorder.
    • As an obsessive-compulsive, she finds it hard to leave the house without checking the stove.
    • The clinic offers therapy specifically for obsessive-compulsives.
    • The support group helps obsessive-compulsives share their experiences.
adjective
  1. Relating to a mental condition in which a person has repeated unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and feels forced to do certain actions (compulsions).
    • Her obsessive-compulsive behavior made her check the door lock ten times before bed.
    • He has obsessive-compulsive tendencies, like arranging his books by color.
    • The therapist specializes in treating obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
  2. Informally, extremely focused on order, cleanliness, or details to an excessive degree.
    • He has an obsessive-compulsive need to wash his hands after touching anything.
    • Some people call themselves obsessive-compulsive about their hobbies, but it's usually just a joke.
    • My friend is obsessive-compulsive about keeping her desk perfectly organized.
What does "obsessive compulsive" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean