compulsion

noun

com·​pul·​sion kəm-ˈpəl-shən How to pronounce compulsion (audio)
1
a
: an act of compelling
tried to get them to cooperate without using compulsion
: the state of being compelled
He was acting under compulsion.
b
: a force that compels
2
: an irresistible persistent impulse to perform an act (such as excessive hand washing)
her 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 him.

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 That dim view of human compulsion thankfully has shifted in recent decades. Zachary Siegel, Scientific American, 9 July 2024 Freed from the compulsion to drink milk, Americans choose more interesting options, consuming almost as much soda in 2013 as milk in 1945. Catherine Long, JSTOR Daily, 17 Jan. 2024 The vanishing compulsion to overindulge didn’t stop with food, though. Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 25 June 2024 Their testing was methodical almost to the point of compulsion: Perfecting rice that could withstand the delivery process, in order to avoid soggy or mushy rice, or rice that crumbles beneath the pinch of fingers or chopsticks, took precision. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for compulsion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compulsion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of compulsion was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near compulsion

Cite this Entry

“Compulsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compulsion. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

compulsion

noun
com·​pul·​sion kəm-ˈpəl-shən How to pronounce compulsion (audio)
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 How to pronounce compulsion (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce compulsion (audio)
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.

More from Merriam-Webster on compulsion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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