obsessive

adjective

ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈse-siv 

əb-

1

a

: tending to cause obsession

b

: excessive often to an unreasonable degree

2

: of, relating to, or characterized by obsession : deriving from obsession

obsessive noun

obsessively adverb

obsessiveness noun

Synonyms

• besetting
• compulsive
• driven
• impulsive
• obsessional

Examples of obsessive in a Sentence

Many dancers are obsessive about their weight.

He is an obsessive workaholic who never stops thinking about his job.

an obsessive interest in space travel

The new therapy is supposed to help people control their obsessive thoughts.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kulusevski is obsessive about his own body — Cristiano Ronaldo is another of his heroes. —Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024

Allen was obsessive about studying birds—especially species that were vanishing. —Tim Gallagher, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024

Leo July 23 – August 22 Your efforts to make progress on your to-do list may be obsessive at the moment. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2024

Ballmer has also acknowledged being obsessive over cutting down lines. —Andrew Greif, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

obsess + -ive

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing obsessive

• obsessive-compulsive
• obsessive-compulsive disorder

Kids Definition

obsessive

adjective

ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈses-iv 

əb-

: of, relating to, having, or being an obsession

obsessively adverb

Medical Definition

obsessive

1 of 2 adjective

ob·​ses·​sive äb-ˈses-iv, əb- 

: of, relating to, causing, or characterized by obsession : deriving from obsession

obsessive behavior

obsessively adverb

obsessiveness noun

obsessive

2 of 2 noun

: an obsessive individual