compulsive

adjective

com·​pul·​sive kəm-ˈpəl-siv 

1

: having power to compel

forced to resort to compulsive measures

2

: of, relating to, caused by, or suggestive of psychological compulsion or obsession

compulsive actions

a compulsive gambler

compulsive eating

compulsively adverb

compulsiveness noun

compulsivity

kəm-ˌpəl-ˈsi-və-tē 

ˌkäm-

noun

Synonyms

• besetting
• driven
• impulsive
• obsessional
• obsessive

Examples of compulsive in a Sentence

his compulsive clowning around can sometimes be annoying

Recent Examples on the Web

Companies should prioritize identifying and addressing compulsive work mentalities, particularly when coupled with low engagement. —Ellen Choi, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Boredom typically resolves with enrichment, separation anxiety happens when the owner is away, and compulsive behavior tends to be intense, repetitive, and difficult to interrupt—even when the dog is tired. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

Book of the Month Subscription For the compulsive reader, sometimes just deciding what book to read next is a chore—there are only so many bestsellers. —Will Porter, Architectural Digest, 6 June 2025

The breast cancer diagnosis comes less than one year after the singer revealed that she was diagnosed with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin compulsīvus, from Latin compulsus, past participle of compellere "to drive together, force to go, force (to a view, course of action)" + -īvus -ive — more at compel

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing compulsive

• obsessive-compulsive
• obsessive-compulsive disorder

Rhymes for compulsive

• convulsive
• expulsive
• impulsive
• propulsive
• repulsive
• electroconvulsive

Kids Definition

compulsive

adjective

com·​pul·​sive kəm-ˈpəl-siv 

: caused by or subject to an irresistible urge

compulsive behavior

compulsively adverb

Medical Definition

compulsive

1 of 2 adjective

com·​pul·​sive -ˈpəl-siv 

: of, relating to, caused by, or suggestive of psychological compulsion or obsession

repetitive and compulsive behavior

compulsive hoarding

a compulsive gambler

compulsively adverb

compulsiveness noun

compulsivity

kəm-ˌpəl-ˈsiv-ət-ē, ˌkäm- 

noun

plural compulsivities

Prozac, which increases the amount of serotonin sloshing around brain circuits, seems to reduce the compulsivity of autism.

—Karen Springen, Newsweek

compulsive

2 of 2 noun

: one who is subject to a psychological compulsion