C1nounpsychology
US/kəmˈpʌl.ʃən/
UK/kəmˈpʌl.ʃən/
a very strong wish to do something that is hard to control; also pressure that forces you to act
In context
I feel a compulsion to check my phone every few minutes, even at dinner.
Nobody is under any compulsion to join the company's weekend activities.
For some people with OCD, compulsions such as hand-washing can take hours each day.
Words that go with compulsion
noun + preposition
- compulsion toShe fought a strong compulsion to buy everything that was on sale.
adjective + noun
- irresistible compulsionHe described gambling as an irresistible compulsion that he could not control.
- strong compulsionMany writers feel a strong compulsion to tell their family's story.
- inner compulsionAn inner compulsion drove her to train every single morning before work.
verb + noun
- feel a compulsionSome viewers feel a compulsion to finish every series they start.