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 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

But for some they can become overwhelming obsessions which lead to compulsive behaviours.

From BBC

Individuals with compulsive personalities are at higher risk for mental illness, and they may also be more likely to become addicted to social media.

From The Wall Street Journal

It would also look at whether more robust age checks could be implemented by social media firms, which could be forced to remove or limit features "which drive compulsive use of social media".

From BBC

For people with compulsive disorders, addictions, or anxiety, these learned associations can become overly powerful.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• enthusiastic
• irresistible
• passionate
• uncontrollable