compulsive

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

• IPA^(key): /kəmˈpʌlsɪv/

compulsive (comparative more compulsive, superlative most compulsive)

1. Uncontrolled or reactive and irresistible.
   • 1990, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990:

     Under this Act, the term "disability" shall not include—...(2) compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania; or...

2. Having power to compel; exercising or applying compulsion.
   • Sharp

     Religion is […] inconsistent with all compulsive motives.

• compel
• compulsion
• compulsory

compulsive (plural compulsives)

1. One who exhibits compulsive behaviours.

• compulsive in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• compulsive in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• compulsive at OneLook Dictionary Search

compulsive

1. feminine singular of compulsif

compulsive

1. feminine plural of compulsivo