compulsion
|com-pul-sion|
/kəmˈpʌlʃən/
irresistible urge
Etymology
'compulsion' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'compellere,' where 'com-' meant 'together' and 'pellere' meant 'to drive.'
'compellere' transformed into the Old French word 'compulsion,' and eventually became the modern English word 'compulsion' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'to drive together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an irresistible urge or force.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way, especially against one's conscious wishes.
He felt a compulsion to check his phone every few minutes.
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Noun 2
the action or state of forcing or being forced to do something; constraint.
The compulsion to obey the rules was overwhelming.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39