173 Another Word for Compulsion? – Compulsion Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say compulsion differently? Here are other words for compulsion and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of compulsion

The primary meaning of the word "compulsion" is a strong and usually irresistible impulse to perform an act, especially one that is irrational or contrary to one's will.

Etymology of compulsion

The word "compulsion" comes from the Latin "compellere", which means "to drive together" or "to force", and is a combination of "com-" (meaning "together") and "pellere" (meaning "to drive")
The term has been used in English since the 15th century to describe a strong impulse or force that drives someone to act in a certain way

Synonyms

obsession urge craving addiction fixation passion enthusiasm drive motivation impulse necessity requirement demand need pressure coercion force constraint obligation responsibility duty compunction anxiety apprehension fear phobia mania frenzy zeal eagerness fervor ardor longing yearning hankering thirst hunger inclination tendency proclivity bent leaning disposition instinct intuition urge spur goad stimulus incentive inducement temptation allurement enticement attraction fascination captivation enchantment spell trance hypnosis mesmerism

Definitions

  • A strong, usually irresistible impulse to perform an act, especially one that is irrational or contrary to one's will
  • The state of being compelled or forced to do something
  • A psychological disorder characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviors

Usage Examples

  • She felt a compulsion to check her phone every few minutes, even though she knew it was unnecessary
  • He had a compulsion to wash his hands repeatedly, which was causing skin irritation
  • The company's compulsion to expand its market share led to reckless decisions and financial difficulties

Antonyms

freedom liberty choice option discretion volition willingness reluctance hesitation indecision apathy indifference lethargy inertia passivity resignation acquiescence compliance obedience submission surrender relinquishment abandonment release exemption immunity exception reprieve

Related Adjectives

irresistible uncontrollable unmanageable ungovernable uncontainable irrepressible inescapable inevitable necessary required demanded obligatory compulsive obsessive addictive passionate enthusiastic driven motivated impulsive instinctual intuitive spontaneous involuntary unconscious subconscious

Related Nouns

addiction obsession fixation passion enthusiasm drive motivation impulse necessity requirement demand need pressure coercion force constraint obligation responsibility duty instinct intuition urge spur goad stimulus incentive inducement temptation allurement enticement attraction fascination captivation enchantment

Related Verbs

compel drive force coerce obligate require demand necessitate impel urge spur goad stimulate induce tempt allure entice attract fascinate captivate enchant mesmerize hypnotize
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