compulsive
kəmˈpʌlsɪv
Definition Synonyms

Definition of compulsive - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

psychology personTECH.person who cannot stop doing certain actions repeatedlyTECH.
  • A compulsive often washes their hands many times a day.
addict obsessive

Adjective

1.
behaviorirresistibly interesting or engaging
  • The novel was compulsive reading.
captivating fascinating irresistible
2.
uncontrolled behaviorTECH.unable to control or resist a behavior or urgeTECH.
  • He has a compulsive need to check his phone.
obsessive uncontrollable
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Expressions with compulsive

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said when a book is so gripping you cannot stop
This thriller hooks you from page one; it is compulsive reading.
person who lies habitually without control
She realized he was a compulsive liar after catching him in many lies.
book or text so interesting you cannot stop reading
Her new novel is compulsive reading from start to finish.
uncontrollable urge to do something repeatedly
She has a compulsive streak for cleaning the house.
content that is irresistibly engaging to watch
The new thriller series is compulsive viewing.
excessively focused on specific routines or tasks
His obsessive-compulsive attention to detail is impressive.

Origin of compulsive

Latin, compulsus (driven)

Terms with compulsive included in their meaning

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compulsion
compulsive need for harmful substances or activities
OCDacr.
acr: obsessive-compulsive disorder
mental health issue with repeated thoughts or actions
behavioral
involving compulsive or obsessive behavior
psychology
compulsive fixation on an activity or entity
analadj.
personality
showing compulsive and stubborn traits
compulsive need
obtain something needed or craved compulsively
medical
compulsive need to use cocaine despite harm
attention-seeking
seeking attention in a compulsive way

Examples of compulsive in a sentence

  • A compulsive may struggle with gambling.
  • His compulsive storytelling kept everyone entertained.
  • The series is compulsive viewing for fans.
  • Her compulsive shopping worried her family.
  • He displayed compulsive eating habits under stress.

View all translations of compulsive

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:personne compulsive, irrésistible, ...
  2. German:Zwanghafter, fesselnd, ...
  3. Italian:compulsivo, irresistibile, ...
  4. Spanish:compulsivo, adictivo, ...
  5. Portuguese:compulsivo, viciante, ...
  6. Chinese:强迫症患者, 引人入胜的, ...
  7. Japanese:強迫的な人, 夢中にさせる, ...
  8. Arabic:مُضْطَرِب قَهْرِي, شَيِّق, ...
  9. Hebrew:כְּפִיָּתִי, כּוֹבֵשׁ, ...
  10. Russian:навязчивый человек, увлекательный, ...
  11. Ukrainian:компульсивна особа, захоплюючий, ...
  12. Hindi:बाध्यकारी व्यक्ति, अवरोधक, ...
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