compulsion

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   using force to cause something to occur

   though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game

2. 2
   noun

   an urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid

   I felt a compulsion to babble on about the accident.

3. 3
   noun

   an irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions, even against your will

   They had a compulsion to wash their hands after touching anything.

4. 4
   noun

   An irrational need or irresistible urge to perform some action, often despite negative consequences.

   During the basketball game, I had a sudden compulsion to have a smoke.

5. 5
   noun

   The use of authority, influence, or other power to force (compel) a person or persons to act.

   From the opening of the City & South London Railway independent electric locomotives were used under compulsion of the Board of Trade.

6. 6
   noun

   The lawful use of violence (i.e. by the administration).

Etymology

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