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

---

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.

---

Example Sentences

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

Most of his teachers were ill-equipped to handle his behavioral problems, later diagnosed as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Many neurological and psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and some forms of brain injury, can make it difficult for people to apply existing skills in new situations.

From Science Daily • Nov. 28, 2025

The “Fast Car” singer says that in addition to anxiety, he has a “particularly wicked” version of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 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