compulsive

adjective

com·​pul·​sive kəm-ˈpəl-siv 

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

kəm-ˌpəl-ˈsi-və-tē 

ˌkäm-

noun

Synonyms

• obsessive
• impulsive

Examples of compulsive in a Sentence

his compulsive clowning around can sometimes be annoying

Recent Examples on the Web

The state of Missouri will impose a 10% tax on sports betting, with the first $5 million allocated to a fund intended to help prevent compulsive gambling, according to ballot language. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025

DeSalvo’s arrest was not the result of a direct link to the Boston Strangler murders — but rather a case of his own compulsive criminal behavior catching up with him. —Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025

And, yes, this compulsive fabulist did in fact embezzle campaign funds from his own donors to fund a lavish lifestyle, did commit identity theft and did fraudulently collect pandemic unemployment benefits. —St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025

The last few pages of the book include discussion questions parents or teachers can use to expand on the complex themes presented in the book to young readers, and more information about obsessive compulsive disorder. —Sara Rowe Mount, Parents, 15 Oct. 2025

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

Phrases Containing compulsive

• obsessive-compulsive
• obsessive-compulsive disorder

Rhymes for compulsive

• convulsive
• expulsive
• impulsive
• propulsive
• repulsive
• electroconvulsive

Kids Definition

compulsive

adjective

com·​pul·​sive kəm-ˈpəl-siv 

: caused by or subject to an irresistible urge

compulsive behavior

compulsively adverb

Medical Definition

compulsive

1 of 2 adjective

com·​pul·​sive -ˈpəl-siv 

: 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

kəm-ˌpəl-ˈsiv-ət-ē, ˌkäm- 

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