compulsion
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Late Latin compulsiō, from Latin compellere (“to compel, coerce”); see compel.
Pronunciation [edit]
- enPR: kəm-pŭl'shən
Noun [edit]
compulsion (plural compulsions)
- An irrational need to perform some action, often despite negative consequences.
- During the basketball game, I had a sudden compulsion to have a smoke.
- The use of authority, influence, or other power to force (compel) a person or persons to act.
- The lawful use of violence (i.e. by the administration).
Related terms [edit]
Translations [edit]
irrational need to perform some action
use of power to force a person to act
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lawful use of violence
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External links [edit]
- compulsion in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- compulsion in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
