compulsion Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid
    irresistible impulse.
    • he felt a compulsion to babble on about the accident
  2. noun an irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions, even against your will
    obsession.
    • her compulsion to wash her hands repeatedly
  3. noun using force to cause something to occur
    coercion.
    • though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game
    • they didn't have to use coercion

WordNet

Com*pul"sion noun
Etymology
L. compulsio. See Compel.
Definitions
  1. The act of compelling, or the state of being compelled; the act of driving or urging by force or by physical or moral constraint; subjection to force.
    If reasons were as plentiful as blackberries, I would give no man a reason upon compulsion. Shak.
    With what complusion and laborious flight We sunk thus low. Milton.
    Syn. -- See Constraint.

Webster 1913