adjective

compulsive

compulsive, obsessive, irresistible

He is a compulsive liar.

He is a compulsive liar.

The TV series was compulsive viewing.

The TV series was compulsive viewing.

a compulsive ((noun)) sb. who cannot stop doing sth. He is a compulsive gambler.

compulsive ((noun)) (of a book, program, etc.) so interesting you cannot stop. The book was compulsive reading.

Synonyms: obsessive, addictive, irresistible, compelling

Derived from 'compulsion', ultimately from the Latin verb 'compellere' (to compel). The '-ive' ending indicates it's an adjective.

If a behavior is compulsive, you feel 'compelled' to do it. If a book is compulsive reading, it 'compels' you to read it.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.