compulsive

[ kuhm-puhl-siv ]

adjective

1. compelling; compulsory.
2. Psychology.
   1. pertaining to, characterized by, or involving compulsion:

      a compulsive desire to cry.

   2. governed by an obsessive need to conform, be scrupulous, etc., coupled with an inability to express positive emotions.

noun

1. Psychology. a person whose behavior is governed by a compulsion.

compulsive

/ kəmˈpʌlsɪv /

adjective

1. relating to or involving compulsion

noun

1. psychiatry an individual who is subject to a psychological compulsion

Derived Forms

• comˈpulsiveness, noun
• comˈpulsively, adverb

Other Words From

• com·pulsive·ly adverb
• com·pulsive·ness com·pul·siv·i·ty [k, uh, m-puhl-, siv, -i-tee, kom-puhl-], noun
• noncom·pulsive adjective
• noncom·pulsive·ly adverb
• quasi-com·pulsive adjective
• quasi-com·pulsive·ly adverb
• uncom·pulsive adjective
• uncom·pulsive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of compulsive¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; obsolete compulse, verb (from Latin compuls(us), past participle of compellere; compulsion ) + -ive

Example Sentences

In more extreme cases, Professor Gillan's research has shown that it can even contribute to compulsive behaviours seen in conditions such as obsessive compulsivedisorder, substance use disorders, and eating disorders.

From Science Daily

How did we allow a convicted felon, compulsive liar, adjudicated sexual abuser and wannabe dictator to be elected our nation’s president?

From Los Angeles Times

“Let us abandon the compulsive idea that we absolutely must reunify.”

From Los Angeles Times

Does the illusion fully wear off if we drop the compulsive need to call them out because we want them to be held to a certain standard?

From Salon

Not only do negative thoughts lead to aggression and war, but compulsive or repeated negativity makes people physically ill.

From Salon

Related Words

• enthusiastic
• irresistible
• passionate
• uncontrollable