What does Compulsive mean?
Definitions for Compulsive
kəmˈpʌl sɪvcom·pul·sive
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word Compulsive.
Princeton's WordNet
compulsiveadjective
a person with a compulsive disposition; someone who feels compelled to do certain things
compulsiveadjective
caused by or suggestive of psychological compulsion
"compulsive drinking"
compulsive, determined, drivenadjective
strongly motivated to succeed
Wiktionary
compulsivenoun
One who exhibits compulsive behaviours.
compulsiveadjective
uncontrolled or reactive and unconscious
Etymology: From compulsus, past participle of compellere, from +.
Samuel Johnson's Dictionary
Compulsiveadjective
Having the power to compel; forcible.
Etymology: from compulser, Fr. compulsus, Latin.
The Danube, vast and deep,
Supreme of rivers, to the frightful brink,
Urg’d by compulsive arms, soon as they reach’d,
New terror chill’d their veins. Phillips.The clergy would be glad to recover their dues by a more short and compulsive method. Jonathan Swift.
Wikipedia
compulsive
Compulsive behavior is defined as performing an action persistently and repetitively. Compulsive behaviors could be an attempt to make obsessions go away. The act is usually a small, restricted and repetitive behavior, yet not disturbing in a pathological way. Compulsive behaviors are a need to reduce apprehension caused by internal feelings a person wants to abstain from or control. A major cause of compulsive behavior is said to be obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). "The main idea of compulsive behavior is that the likely excessive activity is not connected to the purpose to which it appears directed." There are many different types of compulsive behaviors including shopping, hoarding, eating, gambling, trichotillomania and picking skin, itching, checking, counting, washing, sex, and more. Also, there are cultural examples of compulsive behavior.
ChatGPT
compulsive
Compulsive refers to the behavior which is driven by an irresistible urge or an uncontrollable impulse, often against one's conscious wishes. It is usually repetitive, persistent, and hard to stop even if it’s harmful. 'Compulsive' can be used to describe both the actions and the person who performs these actions. For instance, compulsive behaviors, compulsive eating, or compulsive gambler.
Webster Dictionary
Compulsiveadjective
having power to compel; exercising or applying compulsion
Usage in printed sourcesFrom:
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Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of Compulsive in Chaldean Numerology is: 1
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of Compulsive in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9
Examples of Compulsive in a Sentence
Any contract I sign is enforced with my own personal code of ethics, and his obsessive compulsive disorder.
In any circumstance it is hard to justify, but more so given the money comes from people struggling with compulsive gambling, this is an industry body needing tighter regulation. We have started high-stake gaming machines. We now need to move into online gambling, and curbing the advertising around it.
Weight Watchers founder Jean Nidetch:
Compulsive eating is an emotional problem.
I am doomed to an eternity of compulsive work. No set goal achieved satisfies. Success only breeds a new goal. The golden apple devoured has seeds. It is endless.
When a game is designed for kids, game developers shouldn't be allowed to monetize addiction, and when kids play games designed for adults, they should be walled off from compulsive microtransactions. Game developers who knowingly exploit children should face legal consequences.
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References
Translations for Compulsive
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"Compulsive." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 22 Feb. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/Compulsive>.
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