Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Compulsive /kəm-pŭl'-sĭv/ · Com·pul·sive · IPA /kəmˈpʌlsɪv/ 01 a. Having power to compel; exercising or applying compulsion. 1. Having power to compel; exercising or applying compulsion. “Religion is . . . inconsistent with all compulsive motives.” — Sharp.