compulsions

USAGE SUMMARY

'compulsions' is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
It refers to strong and often uncontrollable urges or impulses to do something. Here is an example of how to use it in a sentence: "Although she knew it was harmful, Jane couldn't resist her compulsions to constantly check her phone for updates and notifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), also called obsessive-compulsive neurosis, type of mental disorder in which an individual experiences obsessions or compulsions or both.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Bombay Parsee Punchayat (which administers Doongerwadi along with the community's fabled trust funds) refuses to allow modern compulsions to compromise tradition.

The Guardian

After the hearing, De added that service providers also know and receive legal compulsions surrounding NSA's harvesting of communications data not from companies but directly in transit across the internet under 702 authority.

The Guardian

In the meantime, the serially evasive Mr. Weiner should take his marital troubles and personal compulsions out of the public eye, away from cameras, off the Web and out of the race for mayor of New York City.The Grey Lady is upset with the disgraced Democrat, and rightly so.

The Economist

But the compulsions of state politics overwhelm convictions about what should happen at the centre.The BJP, which is more centre-minded than Congress, has no inhibitions about regional tie-ups.

The Economist

Hydroelectric turbines will generate up to 1,070 MW of electricity, 95% of which will be exported to neighbouring Thailand.This is the World Bank's natural habitat, where its compulsions and capabilities are both shown to full advantage.

The Economist

Obsessions are accompanied by compulsions in approximately 80 percent of cases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In about 80 percent of cases, obsessions lead to mental and motor compulsions (repetitive ritualized thoughts or acts) to reduce the anxiety.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Compulsions are urges or impulses to commit repetitive acts that are apparently meaningless, stereotyped, or ritualistic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

People with OCD may spend several hours each day engaged in compulsions, to the exclusion of normal life activities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At times he appealed to force and mechanism to account for compulsions, aberrations, and neurotic symptoms; at other times he called on the agency of the ego, which could devise strategies, exercise reason, and pursue purposes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing mental health, use "compulsions" to accurately describe repetitive behaviors driven by obsessive thoughts or anxiety. Ensure context avoids generalization and promotes understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "compulsions" to describe ordinary habits or preferences. Compulsions are driven by distress and anxiety, not mere routine. For simple repeated actions, use "habits", "routines", or "tendencies" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "compulsions" is as a plural noun. It typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause, denoting repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform, often in response to obsessive thoughts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compulsions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It denotes repetitive behaviors or mental acts driven by internal urges, often in the context of mental health conditions like OCD. While the word is commonly used, it's important to differentiate between true compulsions and simple habits, reserving the term for actions driven by distress and anxiety. Alternatives like "urges" or "impulses" may be more appropriate in contexts where the behavior is not clinically significant. Understanding the context and using the term accurately can enhance clarity and sensitivity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irresistible urges

Focuses on the inability to resist the impulse, highlighting the strength of the desire.

uncontrollable impulses

Emphasizes the lack of control over the actions or thoughts.

obsessive behaviors

Highlights the repetitive and persistent nature of the actions.

ritualistic actions

Focuses on the patterned and often meaningless nature of the behavior.

inner drives

Highlights the internal motivation and compelling force behind the actions.

powerful inclinations

Emphasizes the strength of the tendency or preference.

urgent needs

Focuses on the pressing and immediate nature of the requirement or desire.

driving forces

Highlights the motivating factors that compel action.

internal pressures

Focuses on the mental or emotional strain that causes the actions.

coercive tendencies

Highlights the forceful nature of the impulse or behavior.

FAQs

How are "compulsions" typically manifested in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

In OCD, "compulsions" are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. These actions are intended to reduce anxiety or prevent a dreaded event; however, they are not realistically connected to the threat or are clearly excessive.

What is the difference between "compulsions" and obsessions in OCD?

"Obsessions" are recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive and unwanted, causing anxiety or distress. "Compulsions" are the repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. In short, obsessions trigger anxiety, and compulsions are performed to alleviate it.

Can someone have "compulsions" without having obsessions?

While it is more common for "compulsions" to be associated with obsessions, it is possible for someone to experience compulsive behaviors without clear or prominent obsessions. This is sometimes referred to as 'primarily obsessional' OCD, where the obsessions are subtle or difficult to identify.

What are some alternatives to using the word "compulsions" in general writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "urges", "impulses", "tendencies", or "drives". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.