compulsion

(noun)

noun

1. an urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid

- he felt a compulsion to babble on about the accident

Definition categories: motive

2. an irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions, even against your will

- her compulsion to wash her hands repeatedly

Similar word(s): obsession

Definition categories: motive

3. using force to cause something to occur

- though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game

Similar word(s): coercion

Definition categories: act, causation, causing

Sentences with compulsion as a noun:

- During the basketball game, I had a sudden compulsion to have a smoke.