compulsion
noun
com·pul·sion
kəm-ˈpəl-shən 
1
a
: an act of compelling
tried to get them to cooperate without using compulsion
: the state of being compelled
He was acting under compulsion.
b
: a force that compels
2
: an irresistible persistent impulse to perform an act (such as excessive hand washing)
her compulsion to repeatedly check and recheck the stove to be certain that it is turned off
also
: the act itself
Gambling is a compulsion with him.
Examples of compulsion in a Sentence
I gave in to one of my compulsions and ordered the chocolate dessert.
We should be able to get them to cooperate without using compulsion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Therapy involves asking patients to experience their stress and anxiety without performing a compulsion in response.
—
Christina Caron, New York Times, 16 May 2025
In a free society, the marketplace of ideas should be supported by choice, not compulsion.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2025
Medium spiny neurons play an important role in habit formation, the process by which a behavior becomes automatic and habitual – think compulsions.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 13 May 2025
Even then, lawmakers couldn’t resist the compulsion to split hairs.
—Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compulsion
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Christina Caron, New York Times, 16 May 2025
In a free society, the marketplace of ideas should be supported by choice, not compulsion.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2025
Medium spiny neurons play an important role in habit formation, the process by which a behavior becomes automatic and habitual – think compulsions.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 13 May 2025
Even then, lawmakers couldn’t resist the compulsion to split hairs.
—Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for compulsion
Cite this Entry
“Compulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compulsion. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
compulsion
noun
com·pul·sion
kəm-ˈpəl-shən
1
: an act of compelling : the state of being compelled
2
: a force that compels
3
: an irresistible persistent urge
felt a compulsion to eat
Medical Definition
compulsion
noun
com·pul·sion
kəm-ˈpəl-shən
Legal Definition
compulsion
noun
com·pul·sion
kəm-ˈpəl-shən
1
: an act of compelling (as by threat or intimidation)
2
: the state of being compelled
specifically
: duress
Note: Compulsion can make a contract voidable or be a ground for damages or restitution. Compulsion may also be a defense to a criminal act.
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