Compulsive
/kəmˈpʌlsɪv/
Definitions
2 meaningsResulting from or relating to an irresistible urge, especially one that is against one's conscious wishes.
/kəmˈpʌlsɪv/
Driven by a strong urge; obsessive
His compulsive gambling led to significant debt.
💡 Simply: Imagine you feel the urge to do something, even if you know it's not good for you, like biting your nails or checking your phone every five minutes. That's a compulsive behavior. It's like your brain is nagging you until you do it.
👶 For kids: When you really, really, really want to do something and can't stop yourself, even if it's not good for you, that's like being compulsive!
More Examples
The detective observed the compulsive behavior of the suspect.
Her therapist is helping her manage her compulsive eating habits.
How It's Used
"He has a compulsive need to wash his hands."
"She's a compulsive shopper, always buying things she doesn't need."
Done or acting because of an irresistible urge or need.
/kəmˈpʌlsɪv/
Done as a result of a compulsion
His compulsive lying damaged his relationships.
💡 Simply: If you do something again and again, almost like you can't stop, because of some urge or feeling you have inside, that thing you do is compulsive.
👶 For kids: Doing something because you feel like you MUST do it, even if it doesn't make sense.
More Examples
The compulsive nature of the habit was hard to break.
Her compulsive need for order was evident.
How It's Used
"He made a compulsive confession."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Latin *compellere* 'to compel, drive', formed from *com-* (together) + *pellere* (to drive). The sense of being driven to act arose in the 19th century, initially in discussions of mental disorders.
Initially used in a psychological context, referring to irrational urges. The usage evolved alongside the understanding of mental health.
Memory tip
Think of someone being 'compelled' by an inner force, unable to resist it.
Word Origin
"to compel, to drive"