In a way that is driven by irresistible urges or internal pressure; unable to resist or refrain from doing something.
From 'compulsive' (adjective), derived from Medieval Latin 'compulsivus', from 'compellere' (to compel) + '-ive' + '-ly' adverbial suffix. The meaning evolved from 'physical coercion' to 'psychological compulsion.'
Psychologists distinguish between 'compulsions' (driven urges you feel you must do) and 'choices' in a way that has huge implications for mental health treatment—someone acting compulsively isn't simply 'choosing badly' but is experiencing an internal force that feels irresistible.
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