compulsion
UK[kəmˈpʌlʃn]US[kəmˈpʌlʃn]
n
a strong, uncontrollable urge to do something, especially something harmful or wrong.
n
the action or state of forcing or being forced to do something; constraint.
Morpheme Breakdown
com
puls
ion
com
together, with
puls
drive, push
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
The word compulsion originates from the Latin compulsio, which is derived from the verb compellere, meaning "to drive together, to force." This verb itself is a composite of the intensive prefix com- and pellere (to drive, push). The core logic of the word lies in this forceful driving or pushing, a sense of being propelled from within or by external pressure. Over time, the meaning evolved from the physical act of forcing to encompass the psychological state of being driven by an irresistible internal urge. Thus, the modern abstract meaning retains the ancient sense of a powerful, often coercive, driving force.
Analysis
Structure: com (together, with) + puls (drive, push) + ion (noun suffix)
com: Latin prefix; meaning "together, with, thoroughly"; indicates intensity or combination.
puls: Latin root; from the verb pellere (to drive, to push); appears in English spelling as "puls".
ion: Latin suffix; forms nouns indicating an action, process, or state.
Examples
He felt a sudden compulsion to tell the truth.
The court order was used as a compulsion to make the company comply with the regulations.
She shops not out of need but out of compulsion.