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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.

Synonyms

  • Obsession

Related Words

  • Compulsive (noun)
  • Compulsive (adjective)

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.

Synonyms

  • Coercion

Hypernyms

  • Causation

Hyponyms

  • Constructive Eviction

Related Words

  • Compel (verb)

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.

Synonyms

  • Irresistible Impulse

Related Words

  • Compulsive (adjective)
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