-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
oppositional defiant disorder
noun
: a disruptive behavior pattern of childhood and adolescence characterized by defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior especially toward adults in positions of authority
—abbreviation ODD
Examples of oppositional defiant disorder in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These children may have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
—Gia Miller, Parents, 31 Aug. 2023
Having been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism and oppositional defiant disorder, too much stimuli overwhelms Shayden.
—Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 14 July 2023
Their overall journey is recorded in thick, three-ring binders the parents kept with insurance papers, admission forms and psychiatric assessments: reactive attachment disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD and more.
—Robin Erb and Carter Barrett, Detroit Free Press, 3 July 2021
Some studies in the review found physical punishment increased conduct problems and signs of oppositional defiant disorder, which is characterized by temper tantrums, argumentative and defiant behavior, active defiance and refusal to follow rules, spitefulness and vindictiveness.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 28 June 2021
His parents hustled their son to the psychiatrist, leading to an alphabet soup of diagnoses: ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), ODD (oppositional defiant disorder), bipolar disorder, autism and, ultimately, straight-up psychosis.
—Pamela Weintraub, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2019
The other is oppositional defiant disorder, and those who have been diagnosed with that condition but symptom free for seven years can join the military without a waiver.
—Nancy A. Youssef, WSJ, 27 Dec. 2022
Christian has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.
—Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 17 Dec. 2022
Another 2021 study found that phone use and texting led to higher BMI and weight gain in teens, and a 2022 analysis links using a phone too much to disruptive behavior disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder, in kids.
—Time, 7 Oct. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oppositional defiant disorder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1988, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of oppositional defiant disorder was
in 1988
Dictionary Entries Near oppositional defiant disorder
Cite this Entry
“Oppositional defiant disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oppositional%20defiant%20disorder. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Medical Definition
oppositional defiant disorder
noun
op·po·si·tion·al de·fi·ant disorder
ˌäp-ə-ˈzish-nəl-di-ˈfī-ənt-, -ən-ᵊl-
: a disruptive behavior pattern of childhood and adolescence characterized by defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior especially toward adults in positions of authority
—abbreviation ODD
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share