different between compulsory vs compulsive

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin compulsorius, from Latin compulsus.

Pronunciation

• enPR: k?m-p?l's?-r? IPA^(key): /k?m?p?ls?ri/

Adjective

compulsory (comparative more compulsory, superlative most compulsory)

1. Required; obligatory; mandatory.
   • 1827, A. D. Jr., Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, A. and C. Black, page 212:

     They are entirely private concerns, established by individual teachers, and attendance upon them is no more compulsory than attendance on our dispensaries.
2. Having the power of compulsion; constraining.

Synonyms

• mandatory

Antonyms

• (required): optional

Translations

Noun

compulsory (plural compulsories)

1. Something that is compulsory or required.

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