compulsion

Plural: compulsions

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"
• an irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions, even against your will
  • "her compulsion to wash her hands repeatedly"
• using force to cause something to occur
  • "though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game"
• An irrational need or irresistible urge to perform some action, often despite negative consequences.
• The use of authority, influence, or other power to force (compel) a person or persons to act.
• The lawful use of violence (i.e. by the administration).

Examples

• During the basketball game, I had a sudden compulsion to have a smoke.

Synonyms

coercion, irresistible impulse, obsession

Related Words

compulsive, compulsory