Associations to the word «Compulsion»

Wiktionary

COMPULSION, noun. An irrational need to perform some action, often despite negative consequences.
COMPULSION, noun. The use of authority, influence, or other power to force (compel) a person or persons to act.
COMPULSION, noun. The lawful use of violence (i.e. by the administration).

Dictionary definition

COMPULSION, noun. An urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid; "he felt a compulsion to babble on about the accident".
COMPULSION, noun. An irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions, even against your will; "her compulsion to wash her hands repeatedly".
COMPULSION, noun. Using force to cause something to occur; "though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game"; "they didn't have to use coercion".

Wise words

In words, as fashions, the same rule will hold; Alike fantastic, if too new, or old: Be not the first by whom the new are tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside.
Alexander Pope