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; see compulsion) + -ive

Explanation

Compulsive people have irresistible urges to do certain things, like a compulsive gossip who simply cannot keep a secret. If you're compulsive, you can't stop yourself from doing something, like compulsive counting of the sidewalk blocks on your way to school. There is sometimes an upside to compulsive behavior — like a compulsive desire to be the best hockey player, which makes you work hard to make it happen. Someone who has compulsive tendencies can be called a compulsive, the noun form of the word.

Example Sentences

Only now - 20 years later and more than £500,000 worse off - does Sally realise her compulsive behaviour was the result of taking this medication.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Both were known for their sleek design, their game-changing user interfaces, and a compulsive push for constant upgrades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

There are also treatment, support groups and other resources to help people with compulsive gambling and spending, and buying her a house will not necessarily make the problem go away.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

Lowenthal’s bill cited social media’s dangers such as “exposure to harmful content, compulsive use patterns, exploitation, and adverse impacts on mental health and well-being.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

“Celia trapped him into that marriage, telling him she was pregnant. I guess she was a compulsive liar even back then.”

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

Related Words

• enthusiastic
• irresistible
• passionate
• uncontrollable