Compulsive
/kəmˈpʌl.sɪv/noun
Involving an irresistible urge to perform an action, often despite unwanted consequences.
Did you know?Compulsive derives from the same Latin verb meaning “to drive” or “force,” linking modern psychological language to an ancient image of pressure and compelled movement.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pel-
“To push, drive, or strike”
Classical Latin
Latin
pellere
“To drive, push, or force”
Classical Latin
Latin
compellere
“To drive together; to force or compel”
Late Latin
Latin
compulsivus
“Compelling or forcing”
14th–15th Century
Old French
compulsif
“Compelling or coercive”
15th Century
English
compulsive
“Having the power of compelling”
Modern English
English
compulsive
“Driven by an irresistible urge”