compulsion

noun

com·​pul·​sion kəm-ˈpəl-shən How to pronounce compulsion (audio)
Synonyms of compulsionnext
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

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The organization encourages people to seek a mental health professional when a person’s obsessions and compulsions begin to affect their quality of life. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2025 But at what cost? The compulsion to be right often blinds us to alternative perspectives, limits our creative problem-solving, and stifles growth. — Glenn Llopis, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 Gondry expands his eclectic filmography with this rejuvenating fantasia, revealing another facet of his creativity (and confessing a certain compulsion; when Maya declines to provide a title for a next short, his reaction is priceless). — Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025 Overcoming the compulsions, the siren’s call, the lowest-common-denominator, tabloid, casino effect of everything in a very competitive attention environment where we’re driven toward the lowest common denominator. — Sean Illing, Vox, 1 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compulsion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English compulsion, compulsioun "coercion," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French compulsion, borrowed from Latin compulsiōn-, compulsiō, derivative, with the suffix of verbal action -tiōn-, -tiō, of compellere "to drive together, force to go, force (to a view, course of action)" (with -s- from past participle compulsus); (sense 2) translation of German Zwang — more at compel

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of compulsion was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing compulsion

Rhymes for compulsion

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Browse Nearby Words

compulsion
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Cite this Entry

“Compulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compulsion. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

compulsion

noun
com·​pul·​sion kəm-ˈpəl-shən How to pronounce compulsion (audio)
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 How to pronounce compulsion (audio)
: an irresistible persistent impulse to perform an act (as excessive hand washing)
also : the act itself compare obsession, phobia

Legal Definition

compulsion

noun
com·​pul·​sion kəm-ˈpəl-shən How to pronounce compulsion (audio)
1
: an act of compelling (as by threat or intimidation)
specifically : coercion
a payment exacted by lawless compulsion — E. A. Farnsworth and W. F. Young
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.

More from Merriam-Webster on compulsion

Nglish: Translation of compulsion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about compulsion

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