compulsion

Meaning

Noun

• An irrational need or irresistible urge to perform some action, often despite negative consequences.
• The use of authority, influence, or other power to force (compel) a person or persons to act.
• The lawful use of violence (i.e. by the administration).

Origin

• Borrowed from Middle French compulsion, from Late Latin compulsiō, from Latin compellere ("to compel, coerce"); see compel.