Compulsion (Noun)
Meaning 1
An irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions, even against your will; "her compulsion to wash her hands repeatedly".
Classification
Nouns denoting goals.
Examples
- She couldn't shake the compulsion to check her phone every few minutes, even when she knew there were no new messages.
- His compulsion to organize his desk drawers every night before bed drove his roommate crazy.
- Despite knowing it was unnecessary, she felt an overwhelming compulsion to lock and relock the front door every time she left the house.
- The woman's compulsion to collect antique teacups had taken over her entire house, with shelves upon shelves of delicate china.
- His childhood compulsion to pull the legs off spiders had stayed with him into adulthood, much to the dismay of his insect-loving wife.
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Meaning 2
Using force to cause something to occur; "though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game"; "they didn't have to use coercion".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The new government passed a law using compulsion to enforce military conscription for all citizens.
- Her parents were worried she joined the protest under compulsion from her peers rather than personal conviction.
- After months of working under compulsion for a cruel employer, the employees began secretly planning their escape.
- Under threat of arrest, he reluctantly testified against his former associate under compulsion from the prosecution.
- When he failed to make his quota, his manager applied further compulsion, tightening the deadline by several weeks.
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Meaning 3
An urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid; "he felt a compulsion to babble on about the accident".
Classification
Nouns denoting goals.
Examples
- She felt a compulsion to tell her boss exactly what she thought of the new policy, but wisely kept her mouth shut.
- He had a compulsion to correct every minor mistake he heard, which often made him come across as pedantic.
- The comedian's compulsion to make jokes about his personal life often left his family members cringing.
- After a few drinks, he felt a compulsion to sing karaoke, much to the dismay of everyone in the bar.
- Her compulsion to share every detail of her relationship on social media often led to awkward conversations with her partner.