Compulsion: Definition, Causes, and Examples | Psychology Today

Compulsion (_noun_)

1. The action or state of forcing or being forced to do something; constraint.

2. An irresistible urge to do something, especially something harmful or antisocial.

Examples:

* The soldier was under compulsion to obey the orders of his superior officer.

* The criminal felt a compulsion to steal, even though he knew it was wrong.