obsessive

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Thinking about or doing something so much that it seems unhealthy or out of control.

   Grammar: Used before a noun (an obsessive fan) or after a linking verb (He is obsessive about details).

   Patterns

   • obsessive about something
   • obsessive about doing something
   • obsessive with something

   She is obsessive about keeping the kitchen spotless.

   His obsessive checking of the door lock made him late every morning.

   They became obsessive fans, traveling to every concert.

2. 2adjectivenot comparablemedicaltechnical

   Caused by or relating to a mental condition in which unwanted thoughts or urges repeat.

   Grammar: Technical use; often appears in medical terms like obsessive-compulsive disorder.

   Patterns

   • obsessive thoughts
   • obsessive-compulsive disorder

   The patient described obsessive thoughts that she could not stop.

   Obsessive-compulsive disorder is often treated with therapy and medication.

3. 3nouncountableinformal

   A person who is too focused on one thing.

   Grammar: Informal; often used with a noun before it (a fitness obsessive).

   Patterns

   • a fitness obsessive
   • a cleanliness obsessive

   My brother is a fitness obsessive who runs every day.

   The meeting was full of computer obsessives.

Word forms

Common combinations

obsessive about

He is obsessive about his diet.

obsessive fan

She is an obsessive fan of the band.

obsessive behavior

His obsessive behavior worried his friends.

obsessive thoughts

The therapy helped reduce her obsessive thoughts.

Synonyms and how they differ

compulsive

Compulsive describes actions you feel forced to do, while obsessive focuses more on the thoughts themselves.

fixated

Fixated means unable to stop thinking about one thing; it is often used for a temporary state, while obsessive can be a lasting trait.

dedicated

Dedicated is positive and means giving a lot of time and effort; obsessive suggests an unhealthy lack of balance.

Opposites

Word family

obsess verb

To think about something constantly in a way that is hard to control.

obsession noun

A strong, often unhealthy interest in one thing.

obsessively adverb

In a way that shows too much focus on one thing.

obsessiveness noun

The quality of being obsessive.

Commonly confused: obsessive or obsessed?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “obsessive”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words