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 Researchers believe that kleptomania may be a maladaptive response to a depressive mood state and the feelings of guilt and shame that follow instances of compulsive stealing can intensify these feelings of depression. Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 The key signs of CHS are regular pot use and compulsive bathing. Molly Sullivan, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 The apps are dopamine-manipulating products that gamify romance and dating and operate on a secret algorithm that encourages compulsive use, according to the suit. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 15 Feb. 2024 The signs can include intense cravings for one’s object of affection, a fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, emotional turmoil and compulsive behaviors to retain the relationship. Mark Travers, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 Barring a truly compulsive dimension, though, the shenanigans of sports are generally harmless, and often hilarious. Tim Kelleher, National Review, 10 Feb. 2024 Under the measure, the state would tax sports betting at 10% with $5 million allocated to a fund intended to help prevent compulsive gambling and the remaining money, as the coalition’s name implies, would go to public schools and higher education. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Feb. 2024 Paku Paku stands out from this limited crowd largely thanks to tight single-button controls and perfectly tuned risk-versus-reward gameplay that encourages that compulsive loop. Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 4 Jan. 2024 Film noir tends to be about two things: compulsive love and the crimes that get in the way of it. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compulsive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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

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