Compulsion

/kəmˈpʌl.ʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way, especially against one's conscious wish.

Despite knowing it was wrong, she felt a compulsion to check her emails every few minutes.

the action or state of forcing or being forced to do something.

He acted from a compulsion to help others, even at his own expense.

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

His compulsion to wash his hands repeatedly was a symptom of his anxiety disorder.

From Latin 'compulsio', from 'compellere' meaning 'to drive together, force, urge'.

under compulsion

being forced to do something against one's will.

compulsive behavior

behaviors that are repetitive and difficult to control.

compulsion to conform

the urge to act in accordance with expected norms or behaviors.

compulsive

relating to an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way.

compel

to force or push someone to do something.

a strong need or craving

She has a compulsion to always be the center of attention.

a habit that is hard to break

His late-night snacking became a compulsion that he couldn't kick.