Dictionary

compulsive

adjective com·pul·sive \-ˈpəl-siv\

: 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

Full Definition of COMPULSIVE

1
:  having power to compel
2
:  of, relating to, caused by, or suggestive of psychological compulsion or obsession <compulsive actions> <a compulsive gambler>
com·pul·sive·ly adverb
com·pul·sive·ness noun
com·pul·siv·i·ty \kəm-ˌpəl-ˈsi-və-tē, ˌkäm-\ noun
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of COMPULSIVE

1588

Other Psychology Terms

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

Browse

2 ENTRIES FOUND:
Next Word in the Dictionary: compulsorinessPrevious Word in the Dictionary: compulsitorAll Words Near: compulsive
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears