adjective / noun
compulsive
kum-PUL-siv/kəmˈpʌlsɪv/
Driven by an urge that is difficult to control.
Her compulsive washing draws her back to the sink despite visible distress.
Etymology
From “drive together, force,” the adjective first described something that compels action. Its psychological sense turns the focus toward the person or behavior driven by an irresistible impulse.
In context
they're very compulsive in their nature working sheep is almost like a drug to them they love that drug so they'll do anything to have the pleasure of hunting and working sheep
More examples
- He described his checking as compulsive.
- The story portrays a compulsive gambler.
- The urge became compulsive.
Forms
compulsive · compulsives
compulsion noun — a strong urge difficult to resist
Similar words
- uncontrollable
- Cannot be controlled without necessarily a repeating urge.
- obsessive
- Concerned with persistent thoughts rather than necessarily repeated actions.