noun

compulsion

compulsion, urge, obligation

He felt a compulsion to check the locks again.

He felt a compulsion to check the locks again.

She buys things under compulsion.

She buys things under compulsion.

a compulsion ((to do sth.)) an irresistible urge to do sth. He has a compulsion to wash his hands.

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

Synonyms: urge, obsession, obligation

From Latin 'com-' (thoroughly) + 'pellere' (to drive). The state of being driven to do something.

Think of the verb 'to compel', which means to force. A compulsion is a force or urge that makes you do something.

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