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.
Synonyms
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
Lila is trying to destroy their relationship; his inability to resist women is something out of his control, a chronic compulsion, a disorder.
—
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2024
As for how any particular magical compulsion might develop?
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 2 Oct. 2024
Yet the compulsion to lash out has rarely been greater, bringing the region even closer to the brink of a catastrophic war.
—Tamara Qiblawi, CNN, 22 Sep. 2024
However, Morgan’s compulsion and knack for correcting mistakes impress Selena and detectives Daphne (Javicia Leslie) and Oz (Deniz Akdeniz).
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for compulsion 
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Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2024
As for how any particular magical compulsion might develop?
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 2 Oct. 2024
Yet the compulsion to lash out has rarely been greater, bringing the region even closer to the brink of a catastrophic war.
—Tamara Qiblawi, CNN, 22 Sep. 2024
However, Morgan’s compulsion and knack for correcting mistakes impress Selena and detectives Daphne (Javicia Leslie) and Oz (Deniz Akdeniz).
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for compulsion
Dictionary Entries Near compulsion
Cite this Entry
“Compulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compulsion. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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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