noun

compulsion

compulsion, urge, obligation

He felt a compulsion to check the locks again.

He felt a compulsion to check the locks again.

There is no compulsion to attend the meeting.

There is no compulsion to attend the meeting.

a compulsion ((to-inf)) an irresistible urge to do sth. He felt a compulsion to check the locks again.

under compulsion forced to do sth. He signed the contract under compulsion.

Synonyms: urge, obligation, coercion, impulse

Originates from the Latin verb 'compellere', which means 'to compel'. It's formed from 'com-' (together) and 'pellere' (to drive).

A compulsion is a force that 'compels' you to do something, whether you want to or not.

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