How to Pronounce Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

It's pronounced ob-SES-iv kum-PUL-siv dis-OR-der. The stress falls on the second syllable of "obsessive" (SES) and the first syllable of "compulsive" (PUL). Say it like you're emphasizing these parts: ob-**SES**-iv kum-**PUL**-siv dis-OR-der.

In this context, 'obsessive' refers to repeated thoughts or ideas that keep coming back to your mind over and over. The word comes from the Latin 'obsidere,' which means 'to besiege' or 'to occupy'—like thoughts that occupy your mind without you wanting them to.

'Compulsive' describes actions or behaviors that someone feels driven to repeat, even if they don't want to. It comes from the Latin word 'compellere,' meaning 'to drive together' or 'to force'—the idea that you feel forced to do something.

It breaks down like this: ob-SES-siv com-PUL-siv dis-OR-der. That's 8 syllables total when you say the whole phrase out loud.

The abbreviation is OCD, which you say by spelling out each letter: O-C-D. You'll hear people use this short form in conversations about this condition.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a medical term for a condition where someone has unwanted thoughts that repeat (obsessive) and feels a need to do certain actions over and over (compulsive). In plain English, it's when both the thoughts and the repetitive behaviors happen together as part of a pattern.

Many people stress the wrong syllable and say ob-ses-SIV instead of ob-SES-siv, or they say com-pul-SIV instead of com-PUL-siv. Remember: the stress goes on the second syllable of 'obsessive' and the first syllable of 'compulsive.'

Yes! 'Obsess' shares the same root as 'obsessive,' and 'compel' shares the same root as 'compulsive.' You'll also hear 'obsession' (the noun form of obsessive) and 'compulsion' (the noun form of compulsive) used in medical discussions.