trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo
/tɾastoɾno obsesibokompulsibo/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase obsessive-compulsive disorder is translated into Spanish as trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo.
The term refers to a mental disorder. In some Latin American countries, the abbreviation TOC may be more pervasive and commonly used than the full-length name.
Meaning: mental disorder (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of trastorno (disorder), obsesivo (obsessive) and compulsivo (compulsive).
Which one should you use?
The full phrase trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo is used for formal contexts, while the abbreviation TOC is the informal way to express the same concept.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of Latin America, TOC is often used more frequently than the full term.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because trastorno is a masculine noun, the definite article used is el rather than la, as seen in el trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo.
Did you know?
- While TOC is the standard medical abbreviation, some Spanish speakers use the phrase manías to describe the compulsive behaviors associated with the disorder in non-clinical settings.
- The word trastorno is derived from the verb trastornar, which historically meant to turn something upside down or to displace its order.
- In Spanish, the word trastorno can also be used more broadly to describe any kind of disruption, such as a 'trastorno del sueño' (sleep disorder) or even a 'trastorno de tráfico' (traffic disruption).
Examples in context
- Creo que mi hijo podría tener TOC. ¿Cuál es el próximo paso?I think my son might have OCD. What is the next step?
- Me diagnosticaron Trastorno Obsesivo-Compulsivo hace unos años.I was diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder a few years ago.
- El paciente sufre de un trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo.The patient suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Él fue diagnosticado con trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo.He was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- El trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo requiere terapia constante.Obsessive-compulsive disorder requires constant therapy.
- Ella estudia el trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo en la universidad.She studies obsessive-compulsive disorder at the university.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are discussing mental health at home.
- SofíaMateo, ¿sabes qué es el trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo?Mateo, do you know what obsessive-compulsive disorder is?
- MateoSí, es un trastorno de ansiedad muy común.Yes, it is a very common anxiety disorder.
- SofíaLeí que el trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo es tratable.I read that obsessive-compulsive disorder is treatable.
- MateoTienes razón, la terapia ayuda mucho.You are right, therapy helps a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “obsessive-compulsive disorder” translations and entries trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries trastorno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
