compulsion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compulsion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong, often irresistible urge to perform a particular action or behavior, typically in a psychological context. Example: "He felt a compulsion to check his phone every few minutes, even during important meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'd go for Australian-style compulsion for all, with voting as an obligation of citizenship: objectors can spoil their ballot papers.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it's that magnificent compulsion that means we need to have a sane conversation about how to set limits for ourselves on another wonderful pleasure that has no natural limits.

The Guardian - Tech

The diary exudes confession under compulsion – of imminent death, the fear of retribution in the afterlife, perhaps – but there is nothing of genuine atonement in it.

The Guardian

Most of all, of course, it will be interesting just because it's Arsenal v Spurs and their duels, like family gatherings, hold a compulsion even when they're bad.

The Guardian - Sport

If it is about compulsion, he says no. Cameron says so many of Labour's policies come from Len McCluskey.

The Guardian

Loneliness is a passive compulsion; to binge, I need only do nothing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In no way is it about the joy of sex; it is about nightmarish compulsion, a New York underworld.

The Guardian

But he understands compulsion better than any other writer I know.

The Guardian - Books

Strangely it has felt under no such compulsion to enlighten the public about wrongdoing within its own organisation".

The Guardian

Lest this be read as suggesting an element of compulsion, we should make clear that Philip Davies was not arguing, in a debate on the minimum wage, that disabled people be obliged to work for less than the statutory minimum.

The Guardian

Whether the public will regard payments made under state compulsion as subject to their control, or instead see them as taxes by another name, is less certain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing psychological states, use "compulsion" to convey a sense of irrationality or difficulty in resisting an urge. For example, "He felt a strong compulsion to wash his hands repeatedly."

Common error

Avoid using "compulsion" when "impulse" is more appropriate. "Impulse" refers to a sudden urge or desire, whereas "compulsion" implies a repetitive and often ritualistic behavior driven by anxiety or distress.

Linguistic Context

The word "compulsion" primarily functions as a noun, referring to an irresistible urge or repetitive behavior. This is evident in the examples provided by Ludwig, such as "Loneliness is a passive compulsion" or "But he understands compulsion better than any other writer I know."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "compulsion" is a noun that describes a strong, irresistible urge to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. It's important to distinguish "compulsion" from similar terms like "impulse" or "coercion", as they carry different connotations. Use "compulsion" to describe the psychological state and internal pressure, but avoid it when a simple urge or external force is more accurate. With its frequent use in News & Media, Business and Science contexts, mastering "compulsion" will surely enhance your writing and understanding of language nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Irresistible urge

Focuses on the strength and difficulty in resisting the feeling.

Overwhelming desire

Emphasizes the intensity and power of the wish.

Driving need

Highlights the sense of necessity and motivation behind the action.

Uncontrollable impulse

Implies a lack of self-control and spontaneity.

Obsessive drive

Connects to the repetitive and intrusive nature of the behavior.

Coercion

Highlights the act of forcing or pressuring someone to do something.

Obligation

Emphasizes a sense of duty or requirement.

Necessity

Focuses on the unavoidable nature of the action.

Constraint

Implies a limitation or restriction that forces a particular action.

Pressure

Highlights the external or internal forces pushing someone to act.

FAQs

How to use "compulsion" in a sentence?

"Compulsion" refers to an irresistible urge to perform a specific action. For example, "The gambler felt a strong compulsion to bet again, despite his losses."

What can I say instead of "compulsion"?

You can use alternatives like "irresistible urge", "overwhelming desire", or "driving need" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "compulsion" or "impulse"?

Both "compulsion" and "impulse" are correct, but they have different meanings. "Impulse" is a sudden urge, while "compulsion" is a repetitive, anxiety-driven behavior. For example, acting on an impulse vs. feeling a compulsion.

What's the difference between "compulsion" and "coercion"?

"Compulsion" is an internal, psychological drive, while "coercion" involves external force or pressure to make someone act against their will.