compulsion
noun
the act of compelling; constraint; coercion.
compulsions
-
pluralof compulsion.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And when Maddie’s disorder tells her she needs to stay in control, she contorts all of this trendy pastel-colored, serif-typefaced wellness to her favor, using it to fuel her harmful compulsions.
From Salon ● Aug. 8, 2026
"Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, feelings and sensations while compulsions are repeated, ritualised acts that are done to neutralise or alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions," Nina tells the BBC's Complex podcast.
From BBC ● Jan. 27, 2026
That homework was part of a deeper process of breaking down the compulsions and frustrations that all artists share.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 20, 2026
“RachelOrmont” is cruel, clever and audacious to a fault, but when Rachel breaks free of her tech prison, Vack’s film transforms into a grim and deeply necessary indictment of our shared digital compulsions.
From Salon ● Dec. 5, 2025
They were racked with guilt for being alive, racked with pain in their heads and fear of ghosts, racked with nightmares and strange compulsions, punishments for being alive when the others were dead.
From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart
