English Explanatory Dictionary

compulsive

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Uncontrolled or reactive and irresistible.
  2. Having power to compel; exercising or applying compulsion.
noun
  1. One who exhibits compulsive behaviours.

Pronunciation

/kəmˈpʌlsɪv/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-compulsive.wav

Word forms

compulsive more compulsive most compulsive compulsives

Etymology

Borrowed from French compulsif, formed from Latin compulsus, past participle of compellere (“to compel”), from com- (“together”) + pellere (“to drive”).

Related words

compel compulsion compulsory

Derived words

anticompulsive clothing compulsive compulsive behaviour compulsive decluttering compulsive hoarder compulsive hoarding compulsively compulsiveness compulsive streak compulsivity noncompulsive obsessive-compulsive uncompulsive
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