What does compulsively mean?
Compulsively is an adverb describing actions performed under the grip of an irresistible inner drive rather than by free, considered choice. Its most serious sense belongs to psychology: someone who washes their hands compulsively repeats the act despite recognizing it as excessive. In everyday usage, however, the word has softened into a vivid intensifier — people read, scroll, snack, or binge-watch compulsively when an activity becomes hard to put down. This gives the word a flexible register: precise enough for clinical writing, casual enough for reviews of page-turners. It derives from the Latin verb compellere, 'to drive together or force,' sharing deep roots with words like expel and repel, all built on the notion of driving. Because it implies diminished control, compulsively carries a subtly negative connotation, distinguishing it from voluntary or deliberate action and making it a useful word for describing behavior that runs ahead of intention.
adverbIn a manner driven by an irresistible, often irrational inner urge; as a result of a psychological compulsion rather than deliberate choice. More loosely, to an excessive or habitual degree, as in reading or checking something compulsively.
- Driven by an irresistible internal urge or impulse, especially one that is repetitive and difficult to control.
- (Loosely) in an intense, habitual way that is hard to stop, without implying clinical pathology.
"She checked her phone compulsively throughout the meeting."
"After quitting smoking, he found himself biting his nails compulsively."
"The novel was so gripping she read compulsively through the night."
From Latin 'compellere' — 'to drive together' — the same root behind 'expel' and 'repel': a compulsion literally drives you from within.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of compulsively
Compulsively comes from 'compulsive', formed on the Latin compellere ('to drive together, force'), from com- ('together') plus pellere ('to drive'). The adjective entered English around the early 17th century, and the adverb followed. The same Latin verb produced English words such as expel, repel, propel, and dispel via its past participle pulsus, making 'compulsively' a member of a large family of 'drive/push' words.
Related word forms
How compulsively is actually used
Often used in psychological or medical contexts for clinically recognized behaviors, but widely extended to everyday enthusiasm (e.g., 'binge-watch compulsively'). Carries a mildly negative connotation of loss of control.
Easily confused with compulsively
'Compulsorily' means done because it is required or mandated (as by law), whereas 'compulsively' means driven by an inner urge.