noun
compulsion
kuhm-PUHL-shuhn
noun
1
A strong, often irrational urge to do something, even against one's better judgment.
"He felt a sudden compulsion to check his phone every few minutes."
2
The use of force or pressure to make someone act a certain way.
"The confession was obtained under compulsion."
How to Use Compulsion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn urge you feel driven to act on, or being forced into something.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
under compulsion
sudden compulsion
Word Forms
compulsions plural
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He felt a sudden _____ to check his phone every few minutes.
Etymology
From Latin compulsio, from compellere, "to compel or coerce."