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

But many therapists who work with those struggling with gambling point out a need for specialized treatment that differs from treating other kinds of compulsive behavior. —Katia Riddle, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025

One such study from the NIAAA in 2013 supports this idea, as researchers argued at the time that compulsive alcohol use can quickly progress to alcohol dependence. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025

Burse points out that ignoring pain or sickness to stick to a workout plan is a red flag for compulsive behavior. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

Jack’s hunt for the treasure is seen as compulsive, almost an addiction, which triggered conflicting emotions in the filmmaker. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Mar. 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