compulsion

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Related terms 1.3.2 Translations 1.3.3 External links

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Late Latin compulsiō < Latin compellere (“‘to compel, coerce’”); see compel.

[edit] Pronunciation

• enPR: kəm-pŭl'shən

[edit] Noun

compulsion (plural compulsions)

1. An irrational need to perform some action, often despite negative consequences.

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

2. The use of authority, influence, or other power to force (compel) a person or persons to act.
3. The lawful use of violence (i.e. by the administration).

[edit] Related terms

• compulsive
• compulsory

[edit] Translations

[edit] External links

• compulsion in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• compulsion in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911