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Definition of obsessive

obsessive

/əbˈsɛs.ɪv/
ob · ses · sive

Adverb:obsessively
•
Plural:obsessives
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obsessive Lexical Profile

obsessive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Thinking about someone or something constantly or excessively; having or showing a tendency to be preoccupied to an unhealthy or extreme degree.

Example

"His obsessive attention to tiny formatting details delayed the publication of the report."


2

Of the nature of an obsession; continually intruding upon the mind and impossible to ignore.

Example

"She sought therapy to help manage her obsessive thoughts and recurring anxieties."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A person who is affected by an obsession or who tends to fixate excessively on particular activities, details, or interests.

Example

"As a self-confessed music obsessive, he owns thousands of rare vinyl records."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for obsessive

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century from the Latin 'obsess-', the past participle stem of 'obsidere' (meaning 'to besiege' or literally 'to sit opposite'), combined with the adjective-forming suffix '-ive'.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Obsessive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/obsessive
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