Definition of COMPULSION

compulsion

Meanings

Plural: compulsions

Noun

  • an urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid
    • "he felt a compulsion to babble on about the accident"
  • an irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions, even against your will
    • "her compulsion to wash her hands repeatedly"
  • using force to cause something to occur
    • "though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game"
  • An irrational need or irresistible urge to perform some action, often despite negative consequences.
  • The use of authority, influence, or other power to force (compel) a person or persons to act.
  • The lawful use of violence (i.e. by the administration).

Origin / Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French compulsion, from Late Latin compulsiō, from Latin compellere (“to compel, coerce”); see compel.

Synonyms

coercion, irresistible impulse, obsession

Scrabble Score: 16

compulsion is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
compulsion is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
compulsion is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 22

compulsion is a valid Words With Friends word