1. compulsion, irresistible impulse

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

Example Sentences:
'he felt a compulsion to babble on about the accident'

Synonyms

• irresistible impulse

2. compulsion, obsession

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

Example Sentences:
'her compulsion to wash her hands repeatedly'

Synonyms

• obsession

3. coercion, compulsion

using force to cause something to occur

Example Sentences:
'though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game'
'they didn't have to use coercion'

Synonyms

• coercion