obsessive-compulsive disorder

British  

noun

1.  OCD.  psychiatry an anxiety disorder in which patients are driven to repeat the same act, such as washing their hands, over and over again, usually for many hours

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obsessive-compulsive disorder Scientific  

/ əb-sĕs′ĭv-kəm-pŭl′sĭv /

1. A psychiatric disorder characterized by the persistent intrusion of repetitive, unwanted thoughts which may be accompanied by compulsive actions, such as handwashing. The individual cannot voluntarily prevent these thoughts or actions, which interfere with normal functioning.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

obsessive-compulsive disorder

Tan compared Beijing’s sensitivity to any suggestion of a Taiwan distinct from China to an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026

"In particular, with conditions such as addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder we see a difficulty in breaking habits and shifting behavior. So, understanding the mechanics of behavioral flexibility may one day help us develop better treatments."

From Science Daily ● Jun. 8, 2026

Some people have panic attacks as one-offs while others might have them as part of other mental health problems such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or generalised anxiety disorder.

From BBC ● Mar. 22, 2026

Clinicians continue to debate how best to define it, as orthorexia can share features of anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

From Slate ● May 25, 2025

Dexter also had obsessive-compulsive disorder, which Andrea explained often accompanied Tourette’s.

From "Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus" by Dusti Bowling