compulsive

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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

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compulsively

adverb

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compulsiveness

noun

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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

In Fitzgerald's case, this compulsive attention is part of his personality, and manifests itself most clearly in a long-standing fascination with guitarist Wes Montgomery.

— john corbett, Chicago Reader, "Chicago guitarist Tim Fitzgerald summons the joy and grace of Wes Montgomery," 29 Aug. 2017
It also is driven by the increasing acceptance that behavioral health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and bipolar disorder, are no different than other medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.

— guy boulton, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Rising need for mental health care spurs growth for Rogers Behavioral Health System," 26 Aug. 2017
President Trump timed this pardon for what a compulsive TV viewer would regard as maximum stealth, for a time when the imperatives of viewership demand non-stop coverage of the dangers and drama of a great storm.

— david frum, The Atlantic, "Trump Won't Back Down," 26 Aug. 2017
But sometimes our relationship with money can crossover to compulsive.

— peter dunn, Indianapolis Star, "Pete the Planner: Money-related mental illness is no joking matter," 23 Aug. 2017
A compulsive overeater who also has a drinking problem, Greg resents his obese body but can’t quite bring himself to get help for his addictions.

— michael schaub, latimes.com, "Lindsay Hunter on her new novel of addiction, 'Eat Only When You're Hungry'," 4 Aug. 2017
Also, there was a great sort of loneliness about it, whether it's being addicted to food, or being addicted to heroin, or being addicted to unhealthy relationships, any of that kind of compulsive behavior.

— julie kosin, Harper's BAZAAR, "Bianca Lawson Is a Quiet Revelation on Queen Sugar," 2 Aug. 2017
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

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

compulsive Synonyms

Synonyms

besetting, driven, impulsive, obsessional, obsessive

Related Words

irrepressible, uncontrollable; automatic, instinctive, involuntary, knee-jerk, reflex, spontaneous; conditioned, mechanical; unconscious, unthinking, unwitting; capricious, unpredictable, whimsical

Near Antonyms

unforced, voluntary, willful (or wilful); controllable, manageable, resistible

Other Psychology Terms

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

COMPULSIVE Defined for English Language Learners

compulsive

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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

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compulsively

adverb

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compulsiveness

noun

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compulsivity

play \kəm-ˌpəl-ˈsiv-ət-ē, ˌkäm-\ noun plural -ties

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