compulsive

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a person with a compulsive disposition; someone who feels compelled to do certain things
  2. adjective caused by or suggestive of psychological compulsion
  3. adjective strongly motivated to succeed

Etymology

Borrowed from French compulsif, formed from Latin compulsus, past participle of compellere (“to compel”), from com- (“together”) + pellere (“to drive”).

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