compulsion
nounfeminine/kõ.pulˈsɐ̃w̃/medium
com·pul·são
Definition
An irresistible, often irrational urge to perform a specific act.
The compulsion to wash his hands dozens of times a day was debilitating.
She felt a strange compulsion to tell the truth, even though it was risky.
Common collocations
compulsion tofeel a compulsioneating compulsiongambling compulsion
Etymology
Do latim 'compulsio, -onis'.