compulsion

[kəmˈpʌlʃən]

compulsion Definition

• 1. an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way, especially against one's conscious wishes
• 2. the action or state of forcing or being forced to do something; constraint

Using compulsion: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "compulsion" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He felt a compulsion to tell the truth.

• Example

  She had a compulsion to wash her hands repeatedly.

• Example

  The compulsion to check his phone was too strong to resist.

• Example

  He had no compulsion to attend the party.

compulsion Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for compulsion

• constraint
• pressure
• necessity
• coercion
• force

Antonyms for compulsion

• choice
• volition
• free will

Idioms Using compulsion

• under compulsion

  being forced to do something against one's will

  Example

  He signed the contract under compulsion, fearing the consequences of not doing so.

• a labor of love (not compulsion)

  a task done willingly and without any sense of obligation or duty

  Example

  She spent hours painting the mural as a labor of love, not compulsion.

• a compulsion to hoard

  a psychological condition where a person feels compelled to collect and keep things, often leading to clutter and disorganization

  Example

  Her compulsion to hoard made it difficult for her to throw anything away.

Phrases with compulsion

• compulsive behavior

  an irresistible urge to perform an action that is harmful or irrational

  Example

  His compulsive behavior led him to spend all his money on gambling.

• compulsion to repeat

  a psychological condition where a person feels compelled to repeat a traumatic event or experience

  Example

  Her compulsion to repeat the accident made it difficult for her to move on.

• compulsion to confess

  a psychological condition where a person feels compelled to confess to a crime they did not commit

  Example

  His compulsion to confess led to his wrongful conviction.

Origins of compulsion

from Latin 'compulsio', meaning 'a driving, urging'

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Summary: compulsion in Brief

The term 'compulsion' [kəmˈpʌlʃən] refers to an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way, often against one's wishes. It can also denote the action or state of forcing or being forced to do something. Examples include 'He felt a compulsion to tell the truth.' and 'She had a compulsion to wash her hands repeatedly.' Phrases like 'compulsive behavior' and 'under compulsion' extend its usage.