You use compulsive to describe people or their behaviour when they cannot stop doing something wrong, harmful, or unnecessary.
...a compulsive liar.
He was a compulsive gambler and often heavily in debt.
Synonyms: obsessive, confirmed, chronic, persistent More Synonyms of compulsive
compulsivelyadverb [ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective]
John is compulsively neat and clean, he's terrified of germs.
2. adjective
If a book or television programme is compulsive, it is so interesting that you do not want to stop reading or watching it.
The second series of this drama has been explosive, compulsive viewing.
These chilling heroines make Hart's books compulsive reading.
compulsivelyadverb [ADVERB adjective]
...a series of compulsively readable novels.
More Synonyms of compulsive
compulsive in British English
(kəmˈpʌlsɪv)
adjective
1.
relating to or involving compulsion
noun
2. psychiatry
an individual who is subject to a psychological compulsion
Derived forms
compulsively (comˈpulsively)
adverb
compulsiveness (comˈpulsiveness) or compulsivity (ˌkɒmpʌlˈsɪvɪtɪ)
noun
compulsive in American English
(kəmˈpʌlsɪv)
adjective
of, having to do with, or resulting from compulsion
Derived forms
compulsively (comˈpulsively)
adverb
Word origin
ML compulsivus
Examples of 'compulsive' in a sentence
compulsive
The result is a collection of dark and slightly disturbing stories that make for compulsive reading.
The Sun (2016)
This absorbing profile muses on his universal popularity and compulsive desire to draw and paint.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Twenty20 matters to the players now and that extra edge will make for more compulsive viewing.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
This ushered in a period of compulsive eating and weight gain.
Bloom, Carol & Gitter, Andrea (contributor) & Gutwill, Susan (contributor) & Kogel,Laura (contributor) & Zaphiropoulos, Lela (contributor) Eating Problems: A Feminist Psychoanalytic Treatment Model (1994)
In human affairs we can classify many habits and obsessive compulsive behaviour or addictions as short circuits.
Christopher Ross TUNNEL VISIONS: Journeys of an Underground Philosopher (2001)
Thank you for saving me the expense of purchasing this compulsive reading.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Iam the daughter of a compulsive gambler.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
He is a compulsive liar and con man who should be avoided at all costs.
The Sun (2007)
There are all kinds of compulsive eating behaviors.
Bloom, Carol & Gitter, Andrea (contributor) & Gutwill, Susan (contributor) & Kogel,Laura (contributor) & Zaphiropoulos, Lela (contributor) Eating Problems: A Feminist Psychoanalytic Treatment Model (1994)
He had in effect researched this through his own early life as a compulsive gambler.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It is compulsive viewing and mainly informs us where not to go.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Others battle with bulimia or compulsive eating.
Wilkinson, Helena Beyond Chaotic Eating (1993)
Both are habits born out of compulsive desires to please and to divert the attention away from themselves.
Lindenfield, Gael 50 Ways to Become a Self-Confident Woman (1989)
The case may establish for the first time that bookmakers owe a duty of care to compulsive gamblers.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
You gave him a chance but this is compulsive, addictive behaviour.
The Sun (2016)
She was a compulsive liar, too.
The Sun (2015)
The calmer the person, the more in control they feel over anxious thoughts and compulsive behaviour.
The Sun (2011)
He gave up racing cars after an accident, but he has retained a compulsive desire to win.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
WHY do some people become compulsive cheats?
The Sun (2012)
A compulsive womaniser, adrenaline junkie and workaholic who would sacrifice anything for his career?
The Sun (2016)
Suddenly, years of self-loathing and compulsive urges to change myself confront me.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In other languages
compulsive
British English: compulsive ADJECTIVE
You use compulsive to describe people or their behaviour when they cannot stop doing something wrong, harmful, or unnecessary.