compulsive
Unable to resist
Compulsive describes behavior driven by an irresistible urge rather than rational choice.
A compulsive liar lies even when truth would serve better.
A compulsive gambler can't stop despite mounting losses.
The word suggests psychological compulsion—the person feels unable to control the behavior.
As a noun, a compulsive is someone who acts this way: He's a compulsive when it comes to cleaning.
Intensely determined to achieve
- relentlessContinuing without pause
- perfectionistOne demanding flawlessness
- workaholicCompulsive labor addict
- obsessiveConsumed by fixation
single-minded · fanatical · monomaniacal · fixated · consumed · persistent · unrelenting · intense
Extremely tense or anxious
- checkingAct of verification
- washingCleaning with liquid
- countingDetermining quantity sequentially
- hoardingExcessive accumulation of goods
grooming · picking · hair-pulling · hand-washing · cleaning · arranging · ordering · repeating
Compulsive repetition disorder
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- hoardingExcessive accumulation of goods
- ritualsCeremonial repeated practices
- psychiatryMental health medicine
therapy · cognitive-behavioral · DSM · neurosis · phobias · treatment · psychologist · diagnosis
Powerful urge to have
- yearningIntense prolonged craving
- longingIntense, persistent desire
- desireIntense wanting
- itchUrge to scratch
need · drive · obsession · fixation · preoccupation · appetite · hankering · penchant
Impossible to withstand
- addictiveCausing physical or psychological dependence
- grippingHolding attention completely
- consumingUsing up entirely
- engrossingCompletely holding one's attention
absorbing · binge-worthy · compelling · unputdownable · moreish · habit-forming · captivating · mesmerizing
driven
Intensely determined to achieve
- relentlessContinuing without pause
- perfectionistOne demanding flawlessness
- workaholicCompulsive labor addict
obsessive · single-minded · fanatical · monomaniacal · fixated · consumed · persistent · unrelenting · intense · controlling
nail-biting
Extremely tense or anxious
hoarding · grooming · picking · hair-pulling · hand-washing · cleaning · arranging · ordering · repeating · touching
OCD
Compulsive repetition disorder
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- hoardingExcessive accumulation of goods
- ritualsCeremonial repeated practices
psychiatry · therapy · cognitive-behavioral · DSM · neurosis · phobias · treatment · psychologist · diagnosis · medication
craving
Powerful urge to have
itch · need · drive · obsession · fixation · preoccupation · appetite · hankering · penchant · proclivity
irresistible
Impossible to withstand
- addictiveCausing physical or psychological dependence
- grippingHolding attention completely
- consumingUsing up entirely
engrossing · absorbing · binge-worthy · compelling · unputdownable · moreish · habit-forming · captivating · mesmerizing · hypnotic
- behaviorshabit, aggressive, agitation, conduct, passive
- compulsivesperfectionist, obsessive, neurotic, control freak, neat freak
- Control Issuesmicromanage, control freak, helicopter parenting, obsessive, dominate
- medical descriptorsacute, chronic, mild, moderate, severe
- behavior statesalert, anxious, calm, confused, depressed
- captivatingcaptivating, fascinating, compelling, mesmerizing, hypnotic
compulsivevoluntary
Done by choice
controlled · deliberate · willful · wilful · self-controlled
compulsiveresistible
Capable of being opposed
optional · unforced · casual · discretionary · elective
compulsiveeasy-going
Tolerant and unhurried
laid-back · casual · relaxed · carefree · nonchalant
- compulsive shopperOne who buys uncontrollably
- compulsive eatingUncontrollable urge to overeat
- compulsive gamblingInability to resist betting
- obsessive-compulsive disorderAnxiety disorder with rituals
- obsessive compulsive disorderAnxiety disorder with repetitive behaviors
- compulsive gamblerOne addicted to wagering
compulsion, compulsively, compulsions, compulsiveness, compulsives, compulsivity