Compulsive

Characterized by or resulting from compulsion; driven by an irresistible urge or desire to perform an action, even if that action is recognized as irrational or harmful. Compulsive behavior often provides temporary relief from anxiety but can lead to significant distress, impairment in daily functioning, and a feeling of being out of control. This behavior is often repetitive, excessive, and difficult to stop, even when the individual wants to. It stems from internal pressure rather than external demands and can manifest in various forms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors, gambling, overeating, or substance abuse.

Compulsive meaning with examples

• The gambler, despite mounting debt and family strain, exhibited Compulsive behavior, returning to the casino nightly. He felt an irresistible pull towards the slot machines, driven by a fleeting hope of winning and an overwhelming need to escape his problems. His actions were marked by an escalating cycle of chasing losses and denial. Ultimately, this impacted all areas of his life.
• She displayed Compulsive shopping habits, filling her closets with clothes she rarely wore. The act provided a brief surge of excitement, but the feeling soon faded, replaced by buyer's remorse and the realization that she was accumulating debt. The excessive spending was a coping mechanism for stress and feelings of inadequacy.
• His Compulsive checking of the locks and stove became an exhausting ritual. Every night, he repeated his checks, sometimes multiple times, until he felt reassured that the house was safe. This consumed large chunks of his time, impacting his sleep and reducing his overall quality of life and also created friction with his roommate.
• The dieter, despite his goal of losing weight, fell victim to Compulsive eating during periods of stress, and he ate until uncomfortably full. He understood that this undermined his diet but felt powerless to stop. He struggled with feelings of guilt and shame afterward. The behavior developed into a vicious cycle.
• A highly stressed person would often start Compulsive handwashing and repeatedly wash for extended periods of time. He had become locked into an ever-tightening loop of anxiety, as his need for reassurance was never truly satisfied, and he was increasingly isolated by the condition. The ritual was almost unbearable.