compulsion
the act of compelling; constraint; coercion.
the state or condition of being compelled.
Psychology. a strong, usually irresistible impulse to perform an act, especially one that is irrational or contrary to one's will.
Origin of compulsion
1Other words from compulsion
- non·com·pul·sion, noun
- pre·com·pul·sion, noun
Words that may be confused with compulsion
- compulsion , compunction
Words Nearby compulsion
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use compulsion in a sentence
There is a monster at the end of all of my novels, and I want you to feel this unbearable compulsion to turn pages and find out what it is.
50 years later, ‘The Monster at the End of This Book’ is still selling — and inspiring authors | Danny Freedman | January 27, 2021 | Washington PostIt was a compulsion to build an intellectual life that blended the so-called two cultures.
Five Scientists on the Heroes Who Changed Their Lives - Issue 93: Forerunners | Alan Lightman, Hope Jahren, Robert Sapolsky, | December 2, 2020 | NautilusAccording to reports, education minister Lawrence Wong said that the country believes 70% adoption could help push it to its next level of reopening, phase three—but that this could be achieved only through legal compulsion.
Some prominent exposure apps are slowly rolling back freedoms | Bobbie Johnson | November 23, 2020 | MIT Technology ReviewFeeling tired and exasperated and overburdened a few weeks ago after working on a long and complicated story and getting very little sleep, I sourly informed Twitter that I felt a compulsion and a God-given right to commit a venial sin.
Gene Weingarten: I feel compelled to commit a venial sin | Gene Weingarten | October 29, 2020 | Washington PostSo far, these companies have experienced little pushback and are under no compulsion to change.
Why Do Fast-Casual Restaurants Get a Pass on Appropriation? | Jenny Dorsey | October 5, 2020 | Eater
It is natural and created without our willing it so and without compulsion.
When Gary Wright Met George Harrison: Dream Weaver, John and Yoko, and More | Gary Wright | September 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAnd many fans may feel a compulsion to add their voice to the crowd shouting out for these rights to be protected.
Ultimately, his fascination with the drug gave way to compulsion and a struggle to break the habit.
Why should the compulsion to excel—which propels these privileged students to Oxford.
Are Britain’s Private Schools Breeding Grounds For Anorexia? | Emma Woolf | March 3, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTOne step too far, and ambition turns into unrealistic expectations, compulsion into craziness.
Are Female Long-Distance Runners More Prone To Suicidal Depression? | Emily de la Bruyere | February 3, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTWe are apt to think of these little ones as doing right only when under compulsion: but this is far from the truth.
Children's Ways | James SullyThere is a restiveness in human nature that resists compulsion, even to its own manifest advantage.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4 | Jane PorterThere is no need, however, to extend the régime of compulsion over the whole field.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice | Stephen LeacockMr. Highcamp was a plain, bald-headed man, who only talked under compulsion.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories | Kate ChopinDoes man stand in need of compulsion before he can be brought to humble himself with sincerity?
My Ten Years' Imprisonment | Silvio Pellico
British Dictionary definitions for compulsion
/ (kəmˈpʌlʃən) /
the act of compelling or the state of being compelled
something that compels
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
Origin of compulsion
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for compulsion
In psychology, an internal force that leads persons to act against their will. A “compulsive” act cannot be controlled: “Smith was a compulsive gambler.”
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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