compulsive
UK/kəmˈpʌlsɪv/US/kәm'pʌlsiv/
TOEFLC2
Definitions
adj.
Driven by an urge that is hard or impossible to control
强迫性的；难以自控的
adj.
(of a book, film, etc.) So gripping you can't put it down
（书、影视等）令人欲罢不能的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcom- (intensifier) + puls (push) + -ive (tending to) = driven by an inner force too strong to resist. A compulsive liar or compulsive shopper can't stop the behavior; loosely, compulsive reading is so gripping it pushes you to keep going.
Root pel still carries 52 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.compulsive behavior强迫行为
Example Sentences
- 1.
He is a compulsive liar who can't help exaggerating.
- 2.
The thriller was a compulsive read from start to finish.
Easily Confused
compulsive vs compulsory — easy to mix up. compulsive = unable to stop (an inner urge): compulsive eating. compulsory = required by rules (an outer demand): compulsory schooling. Inner urge → compulsive; outside rule → compulsory.