compulsion

noun

com·​pul·​sion kəm-ˈpəl-shən 

1

a

: an act of compelling

tried to get them to cooperate without using compulsion

: the state of being compelled

acting under compulsion

b

: a force that compels

2

: an irresistible persistent impulse to perform an act (such as excessive hand washing)

my compulsion to repeatedly check and recheck the stove to be certain that it is turned off

also : the act itself

Gambling is a compulsion with them.

Synonyms of compulsion

• pressure
• constraint
• coercion
• intimidation
• violence

Examples of compulsion in a Sentence

I gave in to one of my compulsions and ordered the chocolate dessert.

We should be able to get them to cooperate without using compulsion.

Recent Examples on the Web

About how making art is both a compulsion and a form of knowledge. —Helen Molesworth, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025

Because the consequences tend to creep in gradually — brain fog, irritability, dependence — users often miss when therapeutic use shifts into compulsion. —Leah Willingham, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025

Yet that same compulsion to compete, that adrenaline rush, is also what makes gambling so alluring. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 Nov. 2025

Murphy concludes the segment in the documentary by acknowledging that his compulsions haven’t completely dissipated. —Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English compulsion, compulsioun "coercion," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French compulsion, borrowed from Latin compulsiōn-, compulsiō, derivative, with the suffix of verbal action -tiōn-, -tiō, of compellere "to drive together, force to go, force (to a view, course of action)" (with -s- from past participle compulsus); (sense 2) translation of German Zwang — more at compel

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing compulsion

• under compulsion
• under no compulsion

Rhymes for compulsion

• avulsion
• convulsion
• emulsion
• expulsion
• impulsion
• propulsion
• repulsion
• revulsion
• microemulsion

Kids Definition

compulsion

noun

com·​pul·​sion kəm-ˈpəl-shən 

1

: an act of compelling : the state of being compelled

2

: a force that compels

3

: an irresistible persistent urge

felt a compulsion to eat

Medical Definition

compulsion

noun

com·​pul·​sion kəm-ˈpəl-shən 

: an irresistible persistent impulse to perform an act (as excessive hand washing)

also : the act itself compare obsession, phobia

Legal Definition

compulsion

noun

com·​pul·​sion kəm-ˈpəl-shən 

1

: an act of compelling (as by threat or intimidation)

specifically : coercion

a payment exacted by lawless compulsion

—E. A. Farnsworth and W. F. Young

2

: the state of being compelled

specifically : duress

Note: Compulsion can make a contract voidable or be a ground for damages or restitution. Compulsion may also be a defense to a criminal act.