compulsive

/kəmˈpʌlsɪv/

/kəmˈpʌlsɪv/

Other forms: compulsives

Compulsive people have irresistible urges to do certain things, like a compulsive gossip who simply cannot keep a secret.

If you're compulsive, you can't stop yourself from doing something, like compulsive counting of the sidewalk blocks on your way to school. There is sometimes an upside to compulsive behavior — like a compulsive desire to be the best hockey player, which makes you work hard to make it happen. Someone who has compulsive tendencies can be called a compulsive, the noun form of the word.

Definitions of compulsive

1. adjective

   caused by or suggestive of psychological compulsion
   “compulsive drinking”

   synonyms:

   neurotic, psychoneurotic

   affected with emotional disorder
2. noun

   a person with a compulsive disposition; someone who feels compelled to do certain things
   types:

   control freak

   someone with a compulsive desire to exert control over situations and people

   exhibitionist, flasher

   someone with a compulsive desire to expose the genitals

   perfectionist

   a person who is displeased by anything that does not meet very high standards

   workaholic

   person with a compulsive need to work

   streaker

   someone who takes off all their clothes and runs naked through a public place

   type of:

   individual, mortal, person, somebody, someone, soul

   a human being
3. adjective

   strongly motivated to succeed
   synonyms: determined, driven

   ambitious, aspirational

   having a strong desire for success or achievement