I. kəmˈpəlsiv, -sēv also -səv adjective
Etymology: obsolete compulse + -ive
1. : having power to compel
admonishing the people in a strangely compulsive , resonant voice, to be orderly — L.C.Douglas
: exercising or applying compulsion
forced to adopt compulsive measures to collect taxes
2. archaic : produced or caused by compulsion : forced
3. : of, having to do with, caused by, or suggestive of psychological compulsion or obsession
mechanical lovemaking, compulsive drinking, and considerations of suicide — J.W.Aldridge
• com·pul·sive·ly -sə̇vlē, -li adverb
• com·pul·sive·ness noun -es
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a compelling force
cultural compulsives
2. : one who is subject to a psychological compulsion
the excessive cleanliness of the compulsive , who is struggling against instinctual demands for dirt and disorder — G.S.Blum