Compulsion — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /kəm-ˈpəl-shən/ com·pul·sion

Meaning & Definition of Compulsion

Compulsion (noun)

  1. an act of compelling, the state of being compelled
  2. a force that compels
  3. an irresistible persistent impulse to perform an act (such as excessive hand washing); also, the act itself

Compulsion (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the use of power to impose one's will on another

    "in that class I read books under compulsion that I ordinarily wouldn't have considered"

    similar: arm-twisting, coercion, constraint, duress, force, pressure
    related: browbeating, bulldozing, bullying, fear, intimidation, menace, sword, terror, terrorism, threat, violence, squeeze, squeeze play, might, muscle, potency, puissance, strength, hardheadedness, self-will, willfulness, strain, stress
    near: agreement, approval, consent, permission, convincing, persuasion, reason, suasion

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Compulsion

The most common words with a similar meaning to Compulsion:

arm-twisting, coercion, constraint, duress, force, pressure

Related Words for Compulsion

browbeating, bulldozing, bullying, fear, intimidation, menace, sword, terror, terrorism, threat, violence, squeeze, squeeze play, might, muscle, potency, puissance, strength, hardheadedness, self-will, willfulness, strain, stress

Near Antonyms of Compulsion

agreement, approval, consent, permission, convincing, persuasion, reason, suasion

Origin & Etymology of Compulsion

Middle English compulsion, compulsioun "coercion," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French compulsion, borrowed from Latin compulsiōn-, compulsiō, derivative, with the suffix of verbal action -tiōn-, -tiō, of compellere "to drive together, force to go, force (to a view, course of action)" (with -s- from past participle compulsus); (sense 2) translation of German Zwang compel

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Compulsion

under compulsion, under no compulsion

Frequently Asked Questions about Compulsion

What does "Compulsion" mean?

"Compulsion" means an act of compelling, the state of being compelled. As a noun, it is defined as: an act of compelling, the state of being compelled.

What is another word for "Compulsion"?

Other words for "Compulsion" include arm-twisting, coercion, constraint, duress, force and pressure. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Compulsion" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Compulsion"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Compulsion". Common alternatives include arm-twisting, coercion, constraint, duress, force and pressure.

How do you use "Compulsion" in a sentence?

Examples of "Compulsion" in a sentence: "in that class I read books under compulsion that I ordinarily wouldn't have considered".

Is "Compulsion" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Compulsion" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Compulsion"?

"Compulsion" is pronounced /kəm-ˈpəl-shən/ and divided into syllables as com·pul·sion.

What is the origin of the word "Compulsion"?

"Compulsion" comes from Middle English compulsion, compulsioun "coercion," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French compulsion, borrowed from Latin compulsiōn-, compulsiō, derivative, with the suffix of verbal action -tiōn-, -tiō, of compellere "to drive together, force to go, force (to a view, course of action)" (with -s- from past participle compulsus); (sense 2) translation of German Zwang compel. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Compulsion" meaning "the use of power to impose one's will on another"?

When "Compulsion" (noun) means the use of power to impose one's will on another, synonyms include arm-twisting, coercion, constraint, duress, force and pressure.