compulsive

adjective

com·​pul·​sive kəm-ˈpəl-siv How to pronounce compulsive (audio)
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 noun

Examples of compulsive in a Sentence

his compulsive clowning around can sometimes be annoying
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
From there, veterinarians can determine that your dog's tail-chasing is compulsive. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024 This is a compulsive, entertaining competition with broad appeal that will engage and galvanize the next generation of entrepreneurs. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 21 Oct. 2024 What sets Joe apart, though, is his prey drive, and his compulsive capacity for learning. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 25 Sep. 2024 What shapes a compulsive collector? Lerew, who lives with his wife in Lincoln Heights, grew up in rural South Dakota. Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for compulsive 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of compulsive was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near compulsive

Cite this Entry

“Compulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compulsive. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

compulsive

adjective
com·​pul·​sive kəm-ˈpəl-siv How to pronounce compulsive (audio)
: caused by or subject to an irresistible urge
compulsive behavior
compulsively adverb

Medical Definition

compulsive

1 of 2 adjective
com·​pul·​sive -ˈpəl-siv How to pronounce compulsive (audio)
: 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 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

More from Merriam-Webster on compulsive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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