compulsion (C1)
noun
Pronunciation: /kəmˈpʌlʃən/
Definition
An irresistible urge to behave in a certain way, especially against one's conscious wishes; a strong, often irrational, impulse.
Examples
He felt a strong compulsion to confess his secret, even though it would cause trouble.
The artist worked with a creative compulsion, often forgetting to eat or sleep.
Despite her efforts to stop, the compulsion to tidy her desk repeatedly took over.
How to Use compulsion
- compulsion to do something (prepositional phrase)
- An urge to perform a specific action. — "He felt a compulsion to apologize for his rude behavior."
- under compulsion (prepositional phrase)
- Being forced or coerced into an action. — "The prisoner acted under compulsion when he revealed the information."
Synonyms of compulsion
Words with a similar meaning to compulsion:
Antonyms of compulsion
Words with the opposite meaning to compulsion:
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