Compulsion
/kəmˈpʌl.ʃən/noun
An irresistible urge to behave in a certain way, often against one's conscious wishes.
Did you know?The root of 'compulsion' hints at the ancient practice of summoning or forcing actions, as if under a spell of control.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
compellere
“to drive together, force, or urge”
Late Latin
Late Latin
compulsio
“a driving or urging to action”
Old French
Old French
compulsion
“act of compelling or being compelled”
Middle English
Middle English
compulsioun
“the act of compelling or being compelled”
Modern English
English
compulsion
“an irresistible impulse to act against one's will”