compulsion

[kuhm-puhl-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of compelling; compel; constraint; coercion.

2. the state or condition of being compelled.

3. Psychology.,  a strong, usually irresistible impulse to perform an act, especially one that is irrational or contrary to one's will.

compulsion

/ kəmˈpʌlʃən /

noun

1. the act of compelling or the state of being compelled

2. something that compels

3. psychiatry an inner drive that causes a person to perform actions, often of a trivial and repetitive nature, against his or her will See also obsession

compulsion

1. In psychology, an internal force that leads persons to act against their will. A “compulsive” act cannot be controlled: “Smith was a compulsive gambler.”

Other Word Forms

• noncompulsion noun
• precompulsion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of compulsion¹

1375–1425; late Middle English (< Anglo-French ) < Late Latin compulsiōn- (stem of compulsiō ), equivalent to Latin compuls ( us ), past participle of compellere to compel ( com- com- + pul- variant stem + -sus past participle suffix) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of compulsion¹

C15: from Old French, from Latin compellere to _compel

Example Sentences

Nevertheless, our compulsion to glean some broader significance from Carol’s story cannot help but wander into that territory.

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Gopal said he keeps a sign on his desk that reads “Do not act with compulsion.”

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It is a compulsion that is deeply felt by those like Gardullo.

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With the approach of Black Friday, the most visible display of America’s shopping compulsion is just around the corner.

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As the title suggests, the series challenges viewers to see how we grapple with our demons and our worst compulsions.

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Related Words

• coercion 
• obsession 
• preoccupation 
• urgency