noun

compulsion

kuhm-PUHL-shun/kəmˈpʌlʃn/

A force experienced as leaving no freedom to refuse an action.

The anxious man feels a compulsion to check the already locked door again.

Compulsion: adult white man repeatedly checking a locked front door with an anxious reluctant expression, hand returning to the handle while already dressed to leave with a bag.

Etymology

comLatintogether

+pulsLatindrive, force

+ionLatinact or process

“Drive together” developed into forcing people to act against their preferences. The psychological sense applies that same pressure inward: an urge drives behavior rather than another person applying force.

In context

APC Bible College9:59

the whole act of uh marriage or a whole physical aspect of marriage is uh you know it is something that is done willingly and not out of compulsion

1&2 Corinthians | Lecture 08 : BC304-1&2Cor-20210827

More examples

I feel a compulsion to straighten every crooked picture.
The witness testifies under compulsion, not by choice.
His compulsions interfere with his daily routine.

Forms

compulsion · compulsions

compulsive adjective — Driven by an urge that feels irresistible.

compel verb — To force someone to take action.

Similar words

coercion: Emphasizes outside pressure or threats that force someone's compliance.
urge: Can be strong without feeling impossible to resist.
impulse: Usually suggests a sudden desire rather than sustained pressure.