compulsion
UK: kəmˈpʌlʃən | US: kəmˈpʌlʃən
n. 1. The action or state of forcing someone to do something; coercion.
n. 2. An irresistible urge to behave in a certain way, especially against one's conscious wishes.
compulsion = com<together> + puls<drive> + ion<noun suffix>
- com: A Latin prefix meaning "together" or "with."
- puls: Derived from Latin pellere (to drive, push), reflecting forceful action.
- ion: A noun-forming suffix indicating a state or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin compulsio (a driving together), from compellere (to force or compel). The morpheme puls evolved from pellere, emphasizing the idea of being "driven" by external or internal pressure. Over time, compulsion shifted from literal coercion to include psychological urges, retaining the core notion of being "pushed" toward action.
She felt a sudden compulsion to check the door lock again.
The dictator ruled through fear and compulsion.
His compulsion for perfection made the project take months longer.
Therapy helped her manage her compulsive behaviors.
The law was enforced by compulsion rather than consent.