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

The industry profits largely from compulsive bettors, with a small percentage of gamblers accounting for the majority of bets placed; and these new betting options are left entirely unregulated, despite many consumers lacking the financial education to appreciate the odds. —Brian Curcio, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

The key to Chucky's wild originality and compulsive watchability is Don Mancini, writer of the original Child's Play film, who's been involved with nearly every project in the extended cinematic universe. —Ew Staff, EW.com, 6 Dec. 2024

This syndrome is characterized by constant feelings of hunger, leading to compulsive overeating and obesity without proper intervention and management. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 5 Dec. 2024

David is tightly wound, neurotic, and obsessive compulsive, while manic Benji has a penchant for saying exactly what is on his mind. —Alex Jhamb Burns, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2024

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

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