First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
compulsion
noun com·pul·sion \kəm-ˈpəl-shən\
: a very strong desire to do something
: the act of using force or pressure to make someone do something
: the state of being forced to do something
Full Definition of COMPULSION
1
a : an act of compelling : the state of being compelled b : a force that compels
2
: an irresistible persistent impulse to perform an act (as excessive hand washing); also : the act itself
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Origin of COMPULSION
Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French, from Late Latin compulsion-, compulsio, from Latin compellere to compel
Related to COMPULSION
- Synonyms
- arm-twisting, coercion, force, constraint, duress, pressure
Other Psychology Terms
Rhymes with COMPULSION
COMPULSION Defined for Kids
compulsion
noun com·pul·sion \kəm-ˈpəl-shən\
Definition of COMPULSION for Kids
1
: a very strong urge to do something <He felt a compulsion to say something.>
2
: a force that makes someone do something <She was acting under compulsion.>
3
: an act or the state of forcing an action <They got what they wanted through compulsion.>
Medical Dictionary
compulsion
noun com·pul·sion \kəm-ˈpəl-shən\
Medical Definition of COMPULSION
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