compulsive

play

adjective com·pul·sive \kəm-ˈpəl-siv\

Definition of compulsive

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

play \kəm-ˌpəl-ˈsi-və-tē, ˌkäm-\ noun

See compulsive defined for English-language learners

See compulsive defined for kids

Examples of compulsive in a Sentence

his compulsive clowning around can sometimes be annoying

Recent Examples of compulsive from the Web

There are theories, ranging from nutritional deficiencies and malabsorption issues to compulsive behavior disorders.

— serena gordon, chicagotribune.com, "New diabetes treatment teaches rogue immune cells to behave," 17 July 2017
Therapy dogs help reduce compulsive behavior in students with special needs and can be a source of support for students who are facing a tragedy.

— brittany nader, cleveland.com, "Stow-Munroe Falls City School District enlists therapy dog for students," 13 July 2017
There's a good story behind why post-punk icon Tommy Stinson, the jittery, compulsive and combustible engine of the Replacements, is bringing his acoustic tour to Louisville's Surface Noise Records.

— jeffrey lee puckett, The Courier-Journal, "There's a good story behind why Tommy Stinson is playing in Louisville," 6 July 2017
At its heart has been a compulsive obsession, not so much with defense as with narrative—

— charlie winter, The Atlantic, "How ISIS Survives the Fall of Mosul," 3 July 2017
And a compulsive politician is what Bill Clinton has been since high school—but not a ruthless one.

— joe klein, Daily Intelligencer, "Bill Clinton: Who Is This Guy?," 30 June 2017
Haylee, 21, is diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

— daniel chang, miamiherald, "Medicaid cuts in health bill threaten mental health care for Floridians," 30 June 2017
Omeros, which is headquartered on Seattle’s waterfront near Queen Anne, develops drugs to treat diseases including Huntington’s disease, kidney disease and compulsive disorders.

— rachel lerman, The Seattle Times, "Seattle biotech Omeros threatens legal action against author of critical report," 29 June 2017
Dodds tackles not only cross-cultural romance but also cyberbullying, divorce, substance abuse and compulsive behavior.

— amy wang, OregonLive.com, "Bookmarks: Lidia Yuknavitch switches publishers; Gigi Little wins design award," 24 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'compulsive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of compulsive

see compulsion

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1588

See Words from the same year

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

COMPULSIVE Defined for English Language Learners

compulsive

play

adjective

Definition of compulsive for English Language Learners

: caused by a desire that is too strong to resist : impossible to stop or control
: not able to stop or control doing something
: very interesting

Medical Dictionary

compulsive

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adjective com·pul·sive \-ˈpəl-siv\

Medical Definition of compulsive

: 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-\play noun plural

compulsivities

Prozac, which increases the amount of serotonin sloshing around brain circuits, seems to reduce the compulsivity of autism.—Karen Springen, Newsweek, 13 May 1996