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Meaning of compulsion in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /kəmˈpəlʃən/

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  1. Noun

    compulsion

    Etymology

    late Middle English: via Old French from late Latin compulsio(n-), from compellere‘to drive, force’ (see compel)

    Definitions

    1. an urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid
  2. 2. an irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions against your will
  3. 3. using force to cause something

    Examples

    • « though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game »
    • « they didn't have to use coercion »

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