Compulsive Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/kəmˈpʌlsɪv/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Having or showing an excessive and irresistible urge to do something, often in a repetitive or ritualistic manner.

Examples

• She has a compulsive need to check her phone every five minutes.
• He has a compulsive habit of washing his hands excessively.

Synonyms

• Obsessive
• Fixated

Antonyms

• Indifferent
• Apathetic

Additional Information

Compulsive behavior can be a symptom of various mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can also be a coping mechanism for anxiety or stress. In some cases, compulsive behavior can be beneficial, such as a compulsive need to exercise or eat healthily.

Compulsive behavior can be managed with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. It’s essential to identify the underlying causes of the behavior and address them accordingly.

In everyday life, compulsive behavior can be observed in people’s habits, such as checking their phone constantly or feeling the need to arrange objects in a specific way.

Etymology

The word “compulsive” comes from the Latin words “compellere,” meaning “to drive together,” and “vis,” meaning “force” or “power.” It initially referred to a strong urge or inclination, but later developed to describe behavior that is driven by an irresistible force.

Usage Notes

When using the word “compulsive,” it’s essential to distinguish between obsessive behavior and compulsive behavior. Obsessive behavior refers to recurring thoughts or feelings, while compulsive behavior refers to the actions taken in response to those thoughts or feelings.

Cultural References

The term “compulsive” has been used in popular culture to describe characters or behaviors in movies, TV shows, and books. Examples include the movie “The Aviator,” which portrays Howard Hughes’ obsessive-compulsive behavior, and the TV show “Monk,” which features a detective with OCD.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Compulsive liar
• Compulsive shopper

Related Words or Phrases

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Anxiety disorder

Collocations

• Compulsive behavior
• Compulsive habits

Frequency of Use

The word “compulsive” is moderately common in modern language, often used in psychological and medical contexts.

Common Misspellings

• Compulsiv
• Compulsieve