compulsive
English edit
Etymology edit
Borrowed from French compulsif, formed from Latin compulsus, past participle of compellere (“to compel”), from com- (“together”) + pellere (“to drive”).
Pronunciation edit
Adjective edit
compulsive (comparative more compulsive, superlative most compulsive)
- Uncontrolled or reactive and irresistible.
- Jenny is a compulsive liar - don't believe a thing she says.
- 1990, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990:
- Under this Act, the term "disability" shall not include—...(2) compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania; or […]
- Having power to compel; exercising or applying compulsion.
- a. 1729, Samuel Clarke, The Doctrines of Religion reasonable to be believed:
- Religion is […] inconsistent with all compulsive Motives.
Derived terms edit
Related terms edit
Translations edit
uncontrolled or reactive and unconscious
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Noun edit
compulsive (plural compulsives)
- One who exhibits compulsive behaviours.
Further reading edit
- “compulsive”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.
- “compulsive”, in The Century Dictionary […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911, →OCLC.
- “compulsive”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.
French edit
Pronunciation edit
Audio (file)
Adjective edit
compulsive
Italian edit
Pronunciation edit
Adjective edit
compulsive