Compulsion
/kəmˈpʌlʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn irresistible urge to perform an action, often repetitive and unwanted.
/kəmˈpʌlʃən/
An irresistible urge to behave in a certain way, especially against one's conscious wishes.
She felt a compulsion to check her phone every few minutes.
💡 Simply: Imagine you *really* want to eat a whole pizza, even though you know you'll feel sick later. That super strong feeling that makes you do it anyway? That's a compulsion! It's like your brain is giving you an order you can't easily ignore.
👶 For kids: It's like when your brain tells you to do something over and over, even if you don't want to. Like, touching the same toy 10 times!
More Examples
The gambler's compulsion to bet led him into financial ruin.
His actions were driven by an underlying sense of compulsion.
How It's Used
"The patient's compulsion to wash his hands was diagnosed as a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder."
"He felt a sudden compulsion to run away from the party."
The act of coercing or forcing someone to do something.
/kəmˈpʌlʃən/
The action or process of compelling or forcing someone to do something.
The company's practices were often criticized for the compulsion used on its employees.
💡 Simply: Picture someone making you do something you don't really want to, like cleaning your room! If they're forcing you, that's compulsion. It's being made to do something against your will.
👶 For kids: When someone makes you do something you don't want to do. Like, if your mom makes you eat your veggies!
More Examples
The court found the confession was given under compulsion.
The law allows for compulsion in certain situations.
How It's Used
"The witness testified under compulsion, fearing repercussions."
"The government used compulsion to enforce the new regulations."
Idioms & expressions
under compulsion
Forcibly or against one's will.
"He confessed under compulsion after being threatened by the police."
From Middle French *compulsion*, from Latin *compulsio* (“a driving together, a compelling”), from *compellere* (“to drive together, compel”), from *com-* (“together”) + *pellere* (“to drive”).
The word compulsion has been used since the 15th century, initially referring to the act of compelling or forcing someone. The psychological meaning developed later.
Memory tip
Think of a mental 'pulse' pushing you to act. 'Com' (together) + 'pulse' (push) - a force that drives you.