compulsive
[ kuh m-puhl-siv ]
/ kəmˈpʌl sɪv /
adjective
compelling; compulsory.
Psychology.
- pertaining to, characterized by, or involving compulsion: a compulsive desire to cry.
- governed by an obsessive need to conform, be scrupulous, etc., coupled with an inability to express positive emotions.
noun
Psychology.
a person whose behavior is governed by a compulsion.
Origin of compulsive
1595–1605; obsolete
compulse v. (< Latin
compuls(us), past participle of
compellere; see
compulsion) +
-ive
OTHER WORDS FROM compulsive
Words nearby compulsive
Example sentences from the Web for compulsive
British Dictionary definitions for compulsive
compulsive
/ (kəmˈpʌlsɪv) /
adjective
relating to or involving compulsion
noun
psychiatry
an individual who is subject to a psychological compulsion
Derived forms of compulsive
compulsively, adverb compulsiveness, nounMedical definitions for compulsive
compulsive
[ kəm-pŭl′sĭv ]
adj.
Caused or conditioned by compulsion or obsession.
n.
A person with behavior patterns governed by a compulsion.