COMPULSIVE
Dictionary entry overview: What does compulsive mean?
• COMPULSIVE (noun)
The noun COMPULSIVE has 1 sense:
1. a person with a compulsive disposition; someone who feels compelled to do certain things
Familiarity information: COMPULSIVE used as a noun is very rare.
• COMPULSIVE (adjective)
The adjective COMPULSIVE has 2 senses:
1. caused by or suggestive of psychological compulsion
2. strongly motivated to succeed
Familiarity information: COMPULSIVE used as an adjective is rare.
Dictionary entry details
• COMPULSIVE (noun)
Meaning:
A person with a compulsive disposition; someone who feels compelled to do certain things
Classified under:
Nouns denoting people
Hypernyms ("compulsive" is a kind of...):
individual; mortal; person; somebody; someone; soul (a human being)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "compulsive"):
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)
• COMPULSIVE (adjective)
Meaning:
Caused by or suggestive of psychological compulsion
Context example:
compulsive drinking
Similar:
neurotic; psychoneurotic (affected with emotional disorder)
Meaning:
Strongly motivated to succeed
Synonyms:
compulsive; driven; determined
Similar:
ambitious (having a strong desire for success or achievement)
