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M
medlineplus.gov
official
https://medlineplus.gov/obsessivecompulsivedisorder.html
Compulsions are behaviors that you feel like you need to do over and over to try to reduce your anxiety or stop the obsessive thoughts. Some common compulsions include
+ Excessive cleaning and/or handwashing
+ Repeatedly checking on things, such as whether the door is locked or the oven is off
+ Compulsive counting
+ Ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way [...] Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety. They may involve things such as
+ Fear of germs or contamination
+ Fear of losing or misplacing something
+ Worries about harm coming towards yourself or others
+ Unwanted forbidden thoughts involving sex or religion
+ Aggressive thoughts towards yourself or others
+ Needing things lined up exactly or arranged in a particular, precise way [...] Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can sometimes be hard to diagnose. Its symptoms are like those of other mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders. It is also possible to have both OCD and another mental disorder.
Not everyone who has obsessions or compulsions has OCD. Your symptoms would usually be considered OCD when you:
O
ocduk.org
article
https://www.ocduk.org/ocd/obsessions
People with OCD usually realise that their obsessional thoughts are irrational, but at the same time feels so very real and they believe the only way to relieve the anxiety caused by them is to perform compulsive behaviours (which includes avoidance and seeking reassurance). These compulsive behaviours are carried out to prevent perceived harm happening to themselves or, more often than not to a loved one, even when there is no correlation between their thoughts and compulsive behaviour. [...] With OCD what’s important to note is that these obsessional thoughts are repetitive and are not voluntarily produced, which in itself causes more distress to the sufferer. All obsessional thoughts (regardless of content) usually produce a sense of discomfort, or a ‘feeling’ of unease. Some people describe it to be an increase or trigger of anxiety, but for others it is simply that ‘feeling’ of general unease, tension and/or discomfort. [...] All of these are the ‘worry/fear’ which is the obsession, rather than the behaviour which would be the compulsion.
M
midcitiespsychiatry.com
article
https://www.midcitiespsychiatry.com/blog/obsession-psychology
## Conclusion
Obsessions refer to undesired thoughts that bring distress and disturbance. To reduce the obsessive thoughts, most individuals with OCD attempt to do the compulsion (Repeated actions to relieve distress, like checking the stove again and again to calm stressful thoughts about the safety). If left untreated, an individual may be associated with other acute mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, that interfere with everyday performance and general well-being. [...] Obsessions can be unhealthy, and the consequences are severe on the psychological level. The unhealthy obsessions take energy and cause distress as opposed to positive fixations, which lead to growth. Individuals can escape commitments, shut themselves off, or fall into a repetition of thoughts. These traits may develop into disorders such as OCD, depression, or generalized anxiety disorder. Unchecked, unhealthy obsessions distort facts, and minor issues appear overwhelming. [...] In the long term, unhealthy obsessions may cause sleep disorders, mood fluctuations, irritability, and poor relationships. They can also be associated with mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)"), or depression. The first step in breaking the cycle is to understand that an interest has become an unhealthy obsession. By being aware of oneself and coping with situations and seeking professional assistance where applicable, one can take control and
M
mayoclinic.org
article
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/…
OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to do. These repetitive behaviors or mental acts are meant to reduce anxiety related to your obsessions or prevent something bad from happening. But taking part in the compulsions brings no pleasure and may offer only limited relief from anxiety. [...] You may make up rules or rituals to follow that help control your anxiety when you're having obsessive thoughts. These compulsions are beyond reason and often don't relate to the issue they're intended to fix.
As with obsessions, compulsions usually have themes, such as:
Examples of compulsion symptoms include:
### Severity varies [...] OCD obsessions are lasting and unwanted thoughts that keeping coming back or urges or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. You might try to ignore them or get rid of them by acting based on ritual. These obsessions usually intrude when you're trying to think of or do other things.
Obsessions often have themes, such as:
Examples of obsession symptoms include:
### Compulsion symptoms
D
dictionary.com
article
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/obsessive
If you rush to the carwash every time a speck of dust lands on your fender, your friends probably describe you as obsessive about keeping your car clean. In other words, you care way too much about your car's cleanliness. Whenever someone is wild about something to an alarming or unnatural extent, you can say they're obsessive. If you go berserk when your neighbor’s soccer ball lands in your flowerbed, your neighbors might think you’re obsessive about your garden. If there’s a person you think [...] # obsessive
## adjective
being, pertaining to, or resembling an obsession.
an obsessive fear of illness.
causing an obsession.
excessive, especially extremely so.
## noun
someone who has an obsession or obsessions; a person who thinks or behaves in an obsessive manner.
## adjective
psychiatry motivated by a persistent overriding idea or impulse, often associated with anxiety and mental illness
continually preoccupied with a particular activity, person, or thing
## noun [...] ## noun
psychiatry a person subject to obsession
a person who is continually preoccupied with a particular activity, person, or thing
## Other Word Forms
## Etymology
### Origin of obsessive
First recorded in 1910–15; obsess(ion) + -ive
## Explanation
Vocabulary.com
N
nimh.nih.gov
official
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd
OCD symptoms are often time-consuming and can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life. It is common for people with OCD also to have a diagnosed mood or anxiety disorder. Although there is no cure for OCD, available treatments can help people manage their symptoms, participate in day-to-day activities, and improve their quality of life.
## How is NIMH research addressing this critical topic? [...] ## What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disorder marked by uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), repetitive and excessive behaviors (compulsions), or both. OCD symptoms can begin any time but usually start between late childhood and young adulthood.
## Where can I learn more about OCD?
### Free health information [...] Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (MedlinePlus): Information, journal articles, and other resources about OCD collected by the National Library of Medicine
Last Reviewed: December 2024
M
merriam-webster.com
article
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obsessive
# obsessive
## adjective
## Synonyms of obsessive
## Examples of obsessive in a Sentence
## Word History
obsess + -ive
1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
## Phrases Containing obsessive
## Rhymes for obsessive
## Browse Nearby Words
## Cite this Entry
“Obsessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.
## Kids Definition
obsessive
## Medical Definition
obsessive
obsessive
## More from Merriam-Webster on obsessive [...] Learn a new word every day. Delivered to your inbox!
© 2026 Merriam-Webster, Incorporated [...] Nglish: Translation of obsessive for Spanish Speakers
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