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.
For the rest of the day, she’s freed from the compulsive, habit-forming pull of digital screens. Raj Goyle, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2025 How Joe Manganiello turned being a 'compulsive math nerd' into Deal or No Deal Island job In terms of the inter-personal drama, DONDI in some ways feels like a throwback to old-school Survivor, which has taken on a kinder, gentler lean in its new era. EW.com, 7 Jan. 2025 Leach, who is waiting for the Senate to act before pushing legislation of his own, said any sports betting measure must contain provisions that would set aside state money to establish public education campaigns to limit compulsive gambling. John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 4 Dec. 2024 But how does this kind of compulsive overload develop? Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 7 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near compulsive

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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