# compulsion

/kəmˈpəɫʃən/ (US) · /kəmpˈʌlʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/compulsion
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. an irresistible urge

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a very strong, often irrational, desire to do something that you find difficult to control.

For teachers: an irresistible, persistent impulse to perform an act, often contrary to one's conscious wishes or better judgment.

- He felt a sudden compulsion to check his phone even though he knew there were no new messages.
- The patient described an overwhelming compulsion to wash his hands repeatedly, a symptom that significantly interfered with his daily professional responsibilities.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'to' and an infinitive verb.

### 2. the use of force

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of forcing someone to do something using power or authority.

For teachers: the action or state of being forced to do something; the application of pressure or authority to ensure compliance.

- The government preferred to use persuasion rather than compulsion to get people to follow the new rules.
- The treaty was signed under legal compulsion, as the smaller nation faced severe economic sanctions if they refused to agree to the terms.

Usage: Commonly appears in the phrase 'under compulsion'.

## Examples

- He felt a sudden compulsion to check the locks again.
- She struggled with a compulsion to wash her hands repeatedly, a habit that began to interfere with her daily life.
- The legal framework distinguishes between actions taken voluntarily and those performed under compulsion, recognising that true consent cannot exist when a party is actively coerced.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.