different between compulsive vs obsession

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /k?m?p?ls?v/

Adjective

compulsive (comparative more compulsive, superlative most compulsive)

1. Uncontrolled or reactive and irresistible.
   • 1990, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990:

     Under this Act, the term "disability" shall not include—...(2) compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania; or...

2. Having power to compel; exercising or applying compulsion.
   • a. 1729, Samuel Clarke, The Doctrines of Religion reasonable to be believed

     Religion is […] inconsistent with all compulsive Motives.

Derived terms

Related terms

• compel
• compulsion
• compulsory

Translations

Noun

compulsive (plural compulsives)

1. One who exhibits compulsive behaviours.

Further reading

• compulsive in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• compulsive in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• compulsive at OneLook Dictionary Search

French

Adjective

compulsive

1. feminine singular of compulsif

Italian

Adjective

compulsive

1. feminine plural of compulsivo

English

Etymology

From Latin obsessio (“a besieging”), from obsidere (“to besiege”); see obsess.

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /?b?s???n/
• Rhymes: -???n

Noun

obsession (countable and uncountable, plural obsessions)

1. A compulsive or irrational preoccupation.
2. An unhealthy fixation.
3. Influence or control by evil spirits without possession.
   • 1973, Jessie Penn-Lewis, Evan Roberts, War on the Saints, ?ISBN.

     if an evil spirit counterfeits the presence of God, and comes upon the man as an influence only, it may be described as obsession; but when a footing is gained in him, it is "possession," because the obsessing spirits have gained access, and possess the ground they hold, up to the extent of the ground given.

   • 1999, Mary E. McDonough, God's Plan of Redemption, page 85, ?ISBN.

     They should see that a perception of their identification with the Victor of Calvary is absolutely necessary if they are to constantly and victoriously resist the obsession of evil spirits.

   • 2007, James E. Padgett, The Teachings of Jesus, page 100, ?ISBN.

     It is true, that by the workings of the law of attraction, and the susceptibility of mortals to the influence of spirit powers, mortals may become obsessed by the spirits of evil—that is evil spirits of men who once lived on earth—and this obsession may become so complete and powerful that the living mortal may lose all power to resist this influence of the evil spirits...

Related terms

• obsess
• obsessed
• obsessional
• obsessive, obsessively

Translations

Further reading

• obsession in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• obsession in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

Anagrams

• bosonises

French

Etymology

From Latin obsessio (“a besieging”), from obsidere (“to besiege”); see obsess.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?p.s?.sj??/

Noun

obsession f (plural obsessions)

1. obsession

Related terms

• obsédant
• obsédé
• obséder
• obsessif

Further reading

• “obsession” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).

Anagrams

• ébossions, obéissons