compulsive

American  

[kuhm-puhl-siv] / kəmˈpʌl sɪv /

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.

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noun

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

compulsive British  

/ kəmˈpʌlsɪv /

adjective

1. relating to or involving compulsion

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noun

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

Other Word Forms

• compulsively adverb
• compulsiveness noun
• compulsivity noun
• noncompulsive adjective
• noncompulsively adverb
• quasi-compulsive adjective
• quasi-compulsively adverb
• uncompulsive adjective
• uncompulsively adverb

Etymology

Origin of compulsive

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

Example Sentences

The trial will determine whether Google and Meta deliberately designed their platforms to encourage compulsive use among young people, damaging their mental health in the process.

From Barron's

For years, scientists have believed that compulsive behaviors happen when people become trapped in a "habit loop" that overrides self-control.

From Science Daily

The potential side effects of the medication, she says, finally explained Andrew's compulsive shopping - although at that point she had no idea about the true extent of his spending.

From BBC

Brussels accused TikTok of disregarding "important indicators of compulsive use of the app" such as the time spent on the platform by children at night.

From Barron's

The undercurrent in “Junglekeeper” and Mr. Rosolie’s previous book, “Mother of God”—a thrilling preamble—is his compulsive quest for places ever more remote, wild, pristine.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• enthusiastic
• irresistible
• passionate
• uncontrollable