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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The First Academy was portrayed as a compulsive cheater Bridgewater is being portrayed as a compassionate martyr. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2025 Mellors’ elegant, compulsive debut novel explores the doomed relationship between lovers Cleo and Frank. Hattie Williams july 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025 The app is not designed for compulsive user engagement, the company never sells user data, and there are no comments sections. Aarushi Bhandari, The Conversation, 14 July 2025 These systems are built on compulsive design, emotional triggers and algorithmic reinforcement. Mira Tzur, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for compulsive

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compulsive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compulsive. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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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