B2adjectivepsychologyhealth
US/əbˈses.ɪv/
UK/əbˈses.ɪv/
thinking about or doing something so much that you cannot stop or control it
In context
He is obsessive about keeping his desk perfectly tidy.
Her obsessive interest in the singer worried her parents.
Obsessive checking of the phone can make anxiety worse.
Words that go with obsessive
adjective + preposition
- obsessive aboutShe is obsessive about cleanliness.
adjective + noun
- obsessive behaviorDoctors noticed his obsessive behavior.
- obsessive thoughtsObsessive thoughts kept him awake all night.
- obsessive fanAn obsessive fan waited outside the hotel for days.
- obsessive interestHe has an obsessive interest in trains.
adverb + adjective
- slightly obsessiveMy brother is slightly obsessive about his hair.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I am obsessive with games.Correct: I am obsessed with games.