"Compulsive" is spelled /kəmˈpʌlsɪv/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa /ə/ and the stress falls on the second syllable. The "m" and "p" sounds in the middle of the word are doubled, which is indicated by the symbol /ˈp/. The spelling "ve" at the end of the word represents the /ɪv/ sound. "Compulsive" describes someone who has an irresistible urge to perform certain actions or behaviors.
Compulsive is an adjective primarily used to describe a strong and often irresistible urge or impulse to engage in a particular behavior or activity. It refers to actions that are difficult or seemingly impossible to control or resist, driven by an internal force. The term is commonly associated with behaviors that are repetitive, excessive, or persistent, even in the face of negative consequences or the individual's own intentions to stop.
Typically, compulsive behaviors are considered beyond voluntary control and may involve a wide range of activities, such as gambling, shopping, cleaning, eating, or checking things repeatedly. The compulsion stems from an intense psychological need, creating a sense of urgency or tension that can only be relieved by performing the behavior.
The compulsive nature of the behavior distinguishes it from being merely impulsive or excessive. It implies a deeper psychological compulsion that is often attributed to underlying disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or addiction.
Compulsive behaviors can significantly interfere with a person's daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. They typically require professional intervention and treatment, including therapy and, in some cases, medication. By addressing the root causes and providing coping mechanisms, individuals can work towards reducing and managing the intensity of the compulsions, allowing them to regain control over their lives.
Able to compel; having power to compel or constrain by force.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "compulsive" originated from the Latin word "compulsus", which is the past participle of "compellere". "Compellere" is a combination of the prefix "com-" (meaning "together") and "pellere" (meaning "to drive"). Therefore, the etymology of "compulsive" suggests that it refers to an action or behavior that drives or compels a person together towards a certain behavior or action.