obsessive
Unable to stop
Obsessive describes a preoccupation that dominates thought or behavior to an excessive degree.
An obsessive fan fixates on a celebrity; obsessive thoughts intrude repeatedly and unwantedly.
The word can be clinical—obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors—or casual: She's obsessive about keeping her kitchen clean.
As a noun, an obsessive is a person prone to such fixations.
Absorbing mental focus
- engrossmentTotal absorption in something
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- monomaniaFixation on single idea
- infatuationShort-lived intense attraction
fascination · immersion · captivation · single-mindedness · fixated · haunting · consuming · all-consuming
Compulsive repetition disorder
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- intrusiveInvading others' privacy
- ruminationProlonged, repetitive thinking
- unwantedNot wished for
therapy · psychiatry · diagnosis · treatment · compulsions · rituals · hoarding · phobias
Following prescribed ceremony
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
- perfectionistOne demanding flawlessness
- orderlyArranged with care
- systematicFollowing ordered procedures
punctilious · scrupulous · methodical · fastidious · precise · thorough · neatness · cleanliness
Showing extreme attention to detail
- perfectionistOne demanding flawlessness
- detail-orientedFocused on small elements
- inflexibleUnable to bend
- stubbornRefusing to change course
controlling · rigid · fussy · neurotic · workaholic · overachiever · micromanaging · nitpicking
Continuing without pause
- doggedStubbornly persevering
- tenaciousStubbornly determined to continue
- determinedFirmly committed to purpose
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
unwavering · steadfast · persevering · indefatigable · insistent · unflagging · unshakeable · tireless
preoccupation
Absorbing mental focus
- engrossmentTotal absorption in something
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- monomaniaFixation on single idea
infatuation · fascination · immersion · captivation · single-mindedness · fixated · haunting · consuming · all-consuming · besotted
OCD
Compulsive repetition disorder
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- intrusiveInvading others' privacy
- ruminationProlonged, repetitive thinking
unwanted · therapy · psychiatry · diagnosis · treatment · compulsions · rituals · hoarding · phobias · cognitive
ritualistic
Following prescribed ceremony
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
- perfectionistOne demanding flawlessness
- orderlyArranged with care
systematic · punctilious · scrupulous · methodical · fastidious · precise · thorough · neatness · cleanliness · symmetry
meticulous
Showing extreme attention to detail
- perfectionistOne demanding flawlessness
- detail-orientedFocused on small elements
- inflexibleUnable to bend
stubborn · controlling · rigid · fussy · neurotic · workaholic · overachiever · micromanaging · nitpicking · exacting
relentless
Continuing without pause
- doggedStubbornly persevering
- tenaciousStubbornly determined to continue
- determinedFirmly committed to purpose
unyielding · unwavering · steadfast · persevering · indefatigable · insistent · unflagging · unshakeable · tireless · incessant
zealous
Passionately eager and active
- devotedLoyally and lovingly attached
- ardentIntensely enthusiastic or devoted
- ferventIntensely and sincerely felt
passionate · avid · intense · rabid · fanatic · diehard · extremist · monomaniacal · dogmatic · unhinged
- behaviorshabit, aggressive, agitation, conduct, passive
- enthusiastsenthusiasts, fans, devotee, enthusiast, buff
- mental statesknowledge, conscious, mood, anxious, memory
- archetypeshero, villain, trickster, mentor, mother
- compulsivesperfectionist, neurotic, control freak, neat freak, clean freak
- Control Issuesmicromanage, control freak, helicopter parenting, dominate, overregulation
obsessivecasual
Relaxed and informal
indifferent · nonchalant · unconcerned · laid-back · blasé
obsessivevoluntary
Done by choice
balanced · willful · controlled · wilful · manageable
obsessivedispassionate
Free from emotional involvement
apathetic · cold · frigid · cool · unemotional
- romantic obsessionFixated longing for another
- obsessive thoughtsPersistent unwanted mental intrusions
- obsessive-compulsive disorderAnxiety disorder with rituals
- obsessive compulsive disorderAnxiety disorder with repetitive behaviors
- obsessive behaviorPersistent unwanted repetitive actions
- social media obsessionCompulsive engagement with networking sites
obsession, obsessions, obsessively, obsessiveness, obsessives, obsessive-compulsive