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

Under state law, lack of consent generally must be shown through forcible compulsion or a clear expression of nonconsent. — Ilana Turko, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026

The real question is whether Pennsylvania and cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia want skill games and other gambling opportunities to be widespread and unavoidable for people who struggle with compulsions to gamble. — Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Still, from early on, Brigitte understood the compulsion as evidence of her mother’s resolve. — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Long before the serial killings, Puente publicly claimed to have adopted them — revealing her desperate need for attention and a compulsion to lie. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

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.