compulsive

views updated Jun 08 2018

com·pul·sive / kəmˈpəlsiv/ • adj. 1. resulting from or relating to an irresistible urge, esp. one that is against one's conscious wishes: compulsive eating. ∎  (of a person) acting as a result of such an urge: a compulsive liar.2. irresistibly interesting or exciting; compelling: this play is compulsive viewing.DERIVATIVES: com·pul·sive·ly adv.com·pul·sive·ness n.