compulsive
compulsive Lexical Profile
compulsive Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Resulting from or relating to an irresistible internal urge or psychological impulse, often against one's conscious wishes.
"He sought professional therapy to overcome his compulsive spending habits."
British Extremely engaging or exciting, making it difficult to stop watching, reading, or listening.
"The historical drama series proved to be compulsive viewing from the very first episode."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'compulsive' with 'compulsory'; 'compulsive' describes behavior driven by an internal psychological urge, whereas 'compulsory' refers to something externally required by law or rules.
• Rhymes for compulsive
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from Medieval Latin compulsivus, derived from Latin compulsus, the past participle of compellere ('to drive together' or 'to force').