compulsive

The definition of compulsive is having an obsessive urge to do something.

(adjective)

An example of a compulsive urge is a constant need to check and recheck a light switch.

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See compulsive in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

of, having to do with, or resulting from compulsion

Origin: ML compulsivus

Related Forms:

See compulsive in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Having the capacity to compel: a frightening, compulsive novel.
  2. Psychology Caused or conditioned by compulsion or obsession.
noun
A person with behavior patterns governed by a compulsion.

Related Forms:

  • com·pulˈsive·ly adverb
  • com·pulˈsive·ness, comˌpul·sivˈi·ty (kŏmˌpŭl-sĭvˈĭ-tē, kəm-) noun

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