different between compulsion vs compulsive

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French compulsion, from Late Latin compulsi?, from Latin compellere (“to compel, coerce”); see compel.

Pronunciation

• enPR: k?m-p?l'sh?n
• (UK) IPA^(key): /k?m?p?l.??n/
• (US) IPA^(key): /k?m?p?l.??n/

Noun

compulsion (countable and uncountable, plural compulsions)

1. An irrational need or irresistible urge to perform some action, often despite negative consequences.

2. The use of authority, influence, or other power to force (compel) a person or persons to act.
   • 2016 January 17, "Wealthy cabals run America," Al Jazeera America (retrieved 18 January 2016):

     But Treaty translator and Ottawa leader Andrew Blackbird described the Treaty as made “not with the free will of the Indians, but by compulsion.”

3. The lawful use of violence (i.e. by the administration).

Related terms

• compulsive
• compulsory

Translations

Further reading

• compulsion in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• compulsion in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

French

Etymology

From Latin compulsi?.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /k??.pyl.sj??/

Noun

compulsion f (plural compulsions)

1. compulsion

Related terms

• compulsif
• compulsionnel

Further reading

• “compulsion” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).

English

Etymology

Borrowed from French compulsif, formed from Latin compulsus, past participle of compellere (“to compel”), from com- (“together”) + pellere (“to drive”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /k?m?p?ls?v/

Adjective

compulsive (comparative more compulsive, superlative most compulsive)

1. Uncontrolled or reactive and irresistible.
   • 1990, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990:

     Under this Act, the term "disability" shall not include—...(2) compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania; or...

2. Having power to compel; exercising or applying compulsion.
   • a. 1729, Samuel Clarke, The Doctrines of Religion reasonable to be believed

     Religion is […] inconsistent with all compulsive Motives.

Derived terms

Related terms

• compel
• compulsion
• compulsory

Translations

Noun

compulsive (plural compulsives)

1. One who exhibits compulsive behaviours.

Further reading

• compulsive in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• compulsive in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• compulsive at OneLook Dictionary Search

French

Adjective

compulsive

1. feminine singular of compulsif

Italian

Adjective

compulsive

1. feminine plural of compulsivo