compulsion
kuhm-PUHL-shuhn
Compulsion (noun) means a strong, often irrational urge to do something, even against one's better judgment. Example: “He felt a sudden compulsion to check his phone every few minutes.”
noun
1
A strong, often irrational urge to do something, even against one's better judgment.
"He felt a sudden compulsion to check his phone every few minutes."
2
The use of force or pressure to make someone act a certain way.
"The confession was obtained under compulsion."
How to use compulsion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn urge you feel driven to act on, or being forced into something.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
under compulsion
sudden compulsion
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Word forms
- Plural
- compulsions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He felt a sudden _____ to check his phone every few minutes.
Etymology
From Latin compulsio, from compellere, "to compel or coerce."
Related words
Rhymes for compulsion
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for compulsion →
Frequently asked questions
What does “compulsion” mean?
The word “compulsion” means a strong, often irrational urge to do something, even against one's better judgment. In plain terms, an urge you feel driven to act on, or being forced into something.
How do you pronounce “compulsion”?
“Compulsion” is pronounced kuhm-PUHL-shuhn (/kəmˈpʌl.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “compulsion” in a sentence?
Here is “compulsion” used in a sentence: “He felt a sudden compulsion to check his phone every few minutes.”
What part of speech is “compulsion”?
“Compulsion” is a noun.
Where does the word “compulsion” come from?
The word “compulsion” comes from Latin. From Latin compulsio, from compellere, "to compel or coerce.".
Is “compulsion” a common word?
“Compulsion” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “compulsion” have?
“Compulsion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong, often irrational urge to do something, even against one's better judgment.
